Bilberry is a fruit-bearing plant closely related to blueberries. It's extract contains biologically active flavonoids which support healthy vision. Bilberry's traditional medicinal uses include treating various eye disorders, including eyestrain, night vision difficulty and nearsightedness, medically known as myopia. Several studies with humans indicate that bilberry may improve vision and prevent diabetic retinopathy.
Certain properties of bilberry and lutein account for their beneficial activity. Lutein has antioxidant properties, eliminating harmful waste products called free radicals. It may protect the retina from oxidative damage that could result from these free radicals. Bilberry contains anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective effects on blood vessels. This anthocyanin content appears to make bilberry helpful against macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.