Synopsis

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

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are polyphenolic compounds found in various plants, notably grape seeds and pine bark. Their use to support or treat poor eyesight is grounded in some scientific evidence, mostly due to their antioxidant properties and their effects on blood vessels. OPCs are known to strengthen capillary walls and improve microcirculation, which is relevant because many eye conditions—such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—involve vascular issues and oxidative damage.

Several small clinical trials and animal studies have shown that OPC supplementation can reduce retinal capillary leakage and improve visual function in people with early diabetic retinopathy. Some studies also suggest that OPCs from grape seed extract may help protect retinal cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in the progression of AMD. However, these studies are generally small in scale, of short duration, or have methodological limitations. There is currently insufficient large-scale, high-quality clinical evidence to definitively confirm OPCs as a treatment for poor eyesight or to recommend them as a standard therapy for eye diseases.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary research supporting the use of oligomeric proanthocyanidins for eye health—particularly in conditions involving microvascular damage—more robust clinical evidence is needed. The use of OPCs for eyesight is thus rated as supported by scientific evidence, but that evidence is limited (2/5).

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