Evidence supporting the use of: Blueberry
For the health condition: Eyesight (poor)

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Synopsis

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

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has a long-standing reputation in traditional and folk medicine for supporting eye health. This belief is largely rooted in historical anecdotes, particularly from World War II, when British Royal Air Force pilots reportedly consumed bilberry jam (a close relative of the blueberry) to improve their night vision. Since then, blueberries and related berries have been popularly associated with benefits for eyesight, including claims of improved night vision and protection against age-related eye conditions.

Scientifically, blueberries are rich in anthocyanins—potent antioxidants—which are thought to help protect the retina and other ocular tissues from oxidative stress. However, direct clinical evidence supporting the use of blueberries specifically for improving poor eyesight in humans is limited. While some studies suggest anthocyanins may have a positive effect on eye health by supporting blood vessel integrity and reducing inflammation, well-controlled human trials demonstrating significant improvements in vision are lacking. Most robust scientific evidence pertains to bilberry extracts rather than common blueberries, and even this evidence is not universally accepted.

In summary, the use of blueberries to support eyesight is primarily justified by tradition, supported by some plausible mechanisms and limited scientific research, but lacks strong clinical proof. Therefore, the evidence rating for this use is moderate (2 out of 5).

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