Bilberry Extract: The Night Vision Berry
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a dark-colored berry closely related to the North American blueberry. For centuries, it has been used in traditional European medicine. During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots famously consumed bilberry jam, believing it improved their night vision before evening missions.
While the wartime lore is fascinating, modern science has uncovered exactly why bilberry is so beneficial for the eyes.
The Power of Anthocyanins
The secret to bilberry's efficacy lies in its extraordinarily high concentration of anthocyanins—the water-soluble pigments that give the berry its deep blue-purple color.
- Microvascular Support: Anthocyanins help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries. In the eye, where the microvascular network is incredibly fine and complex, this ensures a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients to the retina.
- Night Vision: Bilberry extract is believed to support the rapid regeneration of rhodopsin, a purple pigment in the rods of the retina that is essential for adapting to low-light conditions.
- Soothing Eye Fatigue: By improving circulation and fighting oxidative stress, bilberry helps ease the discomfort and fatigue associated with prolonged screen use.
Supplement Featuring Bilberry Extract
For comprehensive eye support that includes the microvascular benefits of Bilberry Extract, we recommend VisiFlora. This formulation pairs bilberry with 21 other synergistic ingredients for optimal ocular health.
