Bilberry & Glaucoma

There are four major causes for age-related visual loss: cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathy, and glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness, and is said to affect some 2.22m US citizens at the moment. The most important variable risk factor for developing glaucoma is the slow destruction the optic nerve, referred to as intraocular hypertension (IOP). Timely lowering of IOP significantly lowers the likelihood of developing glaucoma.

In a study performed by researchers from the University of Chieti-Pescara in San Valentino, Italy, thirty-eight subjects with IOP were either given bilberry and French maritime pine bark (20 subjects) or were not treated (18 subjects)1. The visual acuity, IOP, and ocular blood flow were measured at two, three, and six months. After two months of supplementation the mean IOP decreased. No side effects were observed and ocular blood flow improved. An improved ocular blood flow may contribute to the prevention of glaucoma. The results of this study indicate that bilberry and pine bark may represent a safe preventative intervention for lowering the risk for developing symptomatic glaucoma by controlling IOP and improving ocular blood flow. This helps to support research for other preventative nutritional approaches to major eye health, such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy.*

Viteyes® Advanced formulas include additional nutrients, such as bilberry, to help maintain eye health.

*Steigerwalt Jr., R., Gianni, B., Paolo, M., Bombardelli, E., Burki, C., Schonlau, F. “Effects of Mirtogenol on ocular blood flow and intraocular hypertension in asymptomatic subjects.” Molecular Vision.2008; 14:1288-1292.