QUESTION; bilberry for the eyes?

May 31, 2003

HI GUYS

I HAVE A QUESTION: has anyone use bilberry to improve the eyes

problem?

AT THE MOMENT I'M HAVING FLAXSEED OIL CAPSULES, BUT I FOUND SOME

INFORMATION ABOUT BILBERRY AND I WONDER IF IT COULD RELIEVE SOME

PROBLEMS.

REGARDS TANYA

Here is what i found

Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains nutrients that protect eyes

from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes.

When British Royal Air Force pilots During World War II ate Bilberry

preserves before night missions and discovered that their night

vision improved afterwards, this herb was investigated and found to

be beneficial for the eyes. Bilberry works by improving the

microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance

required for good eyesight. It is believed that this property is

related to the high amount of proanthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid

that tends to prevent capillary fragility and strengthen the

capillaries which nourish the eyes. Other properties appear to assist

in thinning the blood and stimulating the release of vasodilators.

Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure,

reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system.

Anthocyanosides support and enhance the health of collagen structures

in the blood vessels of the eyes, thus aiding in the development of

strong healthy capillaries that can carry vital nutrients to eye

muscles and nerves. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision

and " night blindness. " Clinical tests have indicated that oral

administration of bilberry tends to improve visual accuracy in

healthy people and can help those with eye disorders such as

pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia.

May 31, 2003

,

I take bilberry daily -- for eye health. I noticed a difference in my eyes when

I wasn't taking it but I stopped while pregnant and couldn't tell if the

idfference was pregnancy or lack of bilberry. But my eyes HURT more while

pregnant. While the disease was active, I had a 'high moderate' case of the eye

disease. I didn't experience any bulging, but did have to tape my eyes shut at

night for a few months because of severe lid retraction. I also could not

tolerate sunlight.

I've been taking billberry for two years. I definitely think it helps my light

sensitivity adn I guess I continue taking it because I think it helps my eye

health in general.

Best,

B