Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Eyes (spots before)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of traditional use in Europe for supporting eye health, particularly for symptoms such as "spots before the eyes" (floaters) and night vision problems. This traditional use dates back to at least World War II, when British pilots reportedly consumed bilberry jam to improve their night vision, although this story is considered more anecdotal than evidence-based. The suggested benefits are attributed to bilberry’s rich content of anthocyanins—plant pigments with antioxidant properties thought to benefit retinal blood vessels and overall eye function.

However, rigorous scientific validation for bilberry’s efficacy in treating or preventing floaters (“spots before the eyes”) is limited. While there is some laboratory and animal research suggesting that anthocyanins can improve microcirculation and reduce oxidative stress in ocular tissues, clinical trials in humans have mostly focused on other eye conditions like night vision, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, with mixed or inconclusive results. There is currently a lack of well-designed, large-scale studies specifically evaluating bilberry’s effect on floaters.

In summary, bilberry’s use for “spots before the eyes” is primarily founded on tradition and historical anecdotes rather than robust scientific evidence. While its antioxidant properties theoretically support eye health, direct clinical proof for this particular use is weak, and more research is needed to substantiate these claims.

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Other ingredients used for Eyes (spots before)

bilberry
lutein
vitamin A
zeaxanthin
zinc