Blueberries: a boon for eye health?

Why are blueberries associated with eye health?

Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are rich in anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds studied for their potential role in supporting eye cells against oxidative stress (1).

Some research is also looking into their possible interactions with microcirculation and retinal function.

These mechanisms could be of particular interest in specific contexts, such as eye strain, prolonged screen time or age-related changes in the eye.

Other studies are exploring their possible role in stabilising collagen and maintaining the elasticity of the eye’s capillaries (2).

It is therefore natural to wonder whether regularly eating blueberries, or taking a suitable supplement, could help increase anthocyanin intake and thus support eye health.

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What mechanisms might explain the benefits of blueberries for the eyes?

Anthocyanins, oxidative stress and support for eye cells

The eyes are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress.

Every day, the retina must cope with continuous exposure to light, particularly the blue light emitted by screens.

This phenomenon promotes the production of free radicals, unstable molecules capable of gradually damaging certain structures.

However, the retina is one of the tissues most sensitive to oxidation due to its high oxygen requirements and intense metabolic activity (3).

Over time, this build-up of oxidative stress could contribute to a decline in visual comfort.

For their part, the anthocyanins found in blueberries are being studied for their ability to neutralise certain free radicals and support the eye’s natural cellular defence mechanisms (4).

Some evidence also suggests that they may help maintain the eye’s collagen-rich structures and support a more balanced environment.

Ocular microcirculation and retinal function

The retina relies on an extremely fine network of small blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients.

Effective microcirculation therefore plays an important role in healthy vision.

Blueberry anthocyanosides are the subject of scientific research into their potential interaction with ocular blood flow and capillary health.

Some studies suggest, in particular, that they may support vascular elasticity and circulation in the eye tissues (5).

This aspect is of particular interest to nutritional approaches aimed at visual comfort and maintaining eye health, which are often formulated around combinations of antioxidants and targeted plant extracts.

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In what circumstances might blueberries be beneficial?

Eye strain and prolonged screen time

Spending several hours in front of a screen places a heavy strain on the eye’s focusing mechanisms and exposes it to blue light emitted by computers, smartphones and tablets.

This overexposure can lead to eye strain, discomfort, dry eyes or sensitivity to light (6).

Although regular breaks from screen time remain essential throughout the day, certain nutritional strategies (including blueberries) are currently being studied for their potential to support visual comfort in the face of oxidative stress associated with screen use.

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The night vision hypothesis

The link between bilberries and night vision dates back to the Second World War.

According to a widely held belief, British pilots are said to have eaten blueberry jam to help their eyes adjust to the dark.

Since then, several studies have sought to evaluate this hypothesis.

However, the results remain rather mixed. Some research suggests that anthocyanins may have a beneficial effect on visual adaptation to darkness, whilst other studies have found no clearly significant effect.

For the time being, therefore, caution is advised.

Blueberries cannot be presented as a miracle cure for improving night vision, even though their compounds continue to be studied in this field (7).

Age-related changes in the eye and visual function

As we age, visual function tends to change gradually.

Increased sensitivity to light, reduced visual comfort or more rapid fatigue may develop over time.

In this context, dietary approaches rich in antioxidants, carotenoids and omega-3s are attracting growing interest for their potential to support overall eye health and retinal function.

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Discover the OmegaVision Pro dietary supplement, which is based on a comprehensive formula dedicated to eye health, combining DHA, FloraGlo™ lutein, OPTISHARP™ zeaxanthin, vitamins A, B2 and E, zinc and a botanical blend standardised for anthocyanins.

Recent research has also focused on the link between the microbiota, inflammation and visual comfort.

According to this research, certain postbiotic strains may interact with immune mechanisms involved in visual fatigue and eye comfort associated with screen use (8).

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