Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Night Blindness

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has traditionally been used in Europe as a remedy for night blindness, particularly since World War II. Anecdotes from that era claim that British Royal Air Force pilots consumed bilberry jam to improve their night vision during night missions. This historical use led to widespread belief in bilberry’s effectiveness for supporting vision and treating night blindness.

However, scientific evidence supporting this use is weak. Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants believed to have potential benefits for eye health. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that these compounds might improve retinal function or blood flow to the eyes, but results in humans have not confirmed a significant benefit specifically for night blindness.

Clinical trials in humans have generally failed to demonstrate a clear effect of bilberry supplementation on night vision or adaptation to darkness. Reviews and controlled studies have concluded that bilberry does not significantly improve night vision in healthy individuals or those with night blindness. Thus, the use of bilberry for this purpose remains rooted in tradition rather than validated by robust clinical research.

In summary, while bilberry is still marketed for eye health and has a strong historical reputation for improving night vision, scientific support for its effectiveness in treating night blindness is minimal. The evidence rating is low, reflecting the lack of convincing clinical data.

More about bilberry
More about Night Blindness