Your eyes and vision enable you to navigate the world and its obstacles, communicate with people, participate in work and leisure activities, and appreciate and interpret what’s going on around you. If you’re keen to support the health of yours, consider taking a Bilberry supplement, because it works in a variety of ways to support eye health and visual function.

Bilberry contains potent antioxidants

Bilberry contains compounds called anthocyanosides, which are believed to be largely responsible for its beneficial effects on eye health. The anthocyanosides are potent antioxidants that may help to prevent and reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage to the eye - issues that may arise due to excessive exposure to environmental factors such as light and glare.

Bilberry supports circulation to the eye

Bilberry supports the health and integrity of the capillaries – tiny blood vessels that supply nourishment to the eye and the tissues in and around it. This microcirculation is an important aspect of eye health and visual function (including the functioning of the macula, which is involved in producing sharp central vision), and becomes more important to look after as you get older.

Bilberry supports vision in low light and glare

Bilberry may support the regeneration of a compound called rhodopsin (also known as visual purple), which is found in structures called rods in the retina, and is involved in the eyes’ mechanisms for allowing you to see in conditions of low light or variable light intensity (for example sudden increases in glare, or light that changes as you move from one environment to another) . If rod function is inhibited (for example due to the depletion of rhodopsin), you may find that your ability to see in dim light is too, which may make tasks like driving at night difficult.

Bilberry may help to relieve eye strain and tired eyes

If you regularly work at a computer, drive for long periods of time or engage in other activities involving intense and sustained visual concentration, you’re probably all too aware of how the symptoms of eye strain, which can include tired eyes, redness, itchiness, and difficulty focussing clearly. Bilberry may help by preventing visual fatigue and relieving eye strain, and is suitable for those who engage in extended periods of computer use and other types of detailed work.

How much Bilberry should I take?

A suitable dose of Bilberry for most people – including those whose eyes become tired after computer use or long periods of driving – is 7500mg, taken three times daily. (Make sure to choose a supplement that’s standardised to provide consistent levels of the antioxidant anthocyanidin compounds).    

Mr Vitamins recommends

Fusion Health, premium quality Australian-made supplements that combine the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine and the science of modern Western herbalism, including:

• Fusion Bilberry: Standardised Bilberry extract to support healthy vision and eye health, and prevent and relieve tired eyes and eye strain

Find out more and shop online for Fusion Bilberry here Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.