Ingredient guide
Bilberry is a European cousin of blueberry, famous for night vision claims dating back to World War II. Rigorous trials have not supported the night vision claim, but small modern trials suggest a benefit for screen-related eye strain at 240 mg per day.
Limited evidenceBilberry is a small dark berry from the Vaccinium myrtillus shrub, native to northern Europe. It looks like a tiny blueberry, but it contains a far higher concentration of anthocyanins, the same purple antioxidant pigments. Its reputation for vision dates to British World War II air force pilots who were said to eat bilberry jam to improve their night vision.
Bilberry anthocyanins are potent antioxidants and may strengthen small blood vessels, including those in the eye. The night vision idea was based on a theoretical effect on the eye's light-sensing pigment called rhodopsin. Today, the stronger interest is in supporting eye comfort during long screen work, where anthocyanins may help the eye's muscle of accommodation relax.
The night vision claim has not held up to rigorous testing. A systematic review of placebo-controlled trials found insufficient evidence to recommend bilberry for night vision in healthy people, and the four most recent randomised trials were all negative. A separate review concluded that the historical World War II story is more myth than evidence.
More positive work has emerged for eye fatigue. A 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 240 mg per day of bilberry extract improved objective findings of ciliary muscle accommodation, the muscle that adjusts your focus. We grade the overall evidence as limited. Bilberry is not a proven night vision aid, but it shows promise for screen-related eye strain in modern small trials.
For eye strain from screen work, 240 mg per day of a standardised extract for at least 12 weeks matches the most positive trial. Take with food. Skip the night vision claim, which lacks rigorous support. If you take blood thinners or are facing surgery, check with a healthcare provider first.
Trials of standardised extract use 160 mg to 480 mg per day, often providing 25 percent anthocyanosides, for 4 to 12 weeks. Take with a meal that contains some fat. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use if you take blood-thinning medicine.
Probably not. Rigorous trials in healthy people did not support a night vision benefit, and the historical World War II story is more myth than evidence.
A small recent trial of 240 mg per day for 12 weeks improved objective markers of eye muscle fatigue from screen work. The evidence is limited but encouraging.
Closely related, but bilberry has much more anthocyanin content. Blueberries are bigger and cheaper but less concentrated.
Very well tolerated for most people. The main caution is for those on blood thinners, since anthocyanins have a mild blood-thinning effect.
