Bilberry for Eyes: What the Science Says About Bilberry Benefits for Eyesight
What if the solution to your tired, blurry eyes was hiding in a berry that’s been used by fighter pilots and herbalists for centuries? Meet bilberry for eyes — the antioxidant-rich fruit that’s been quietly protecting eyesight long before science caught up.
The bilberry is a small berry that grows wild in hillsides across northern Europe and northern Asia. It is difficult to grow and cultivate, and can only be harvested when ripe from wild plants between July to September. It is prized as one of the richest natural sources of potent antioxidants known as anthocyanins, making it especially valuable for those seeking bilberry benefits for eyesight.
Known as the European cousin of the blueberry, this potent berry has been used as a natural remedy for eye problems, poor circulation, and blood sugar control in diabetes. But modern research now confirms what tradition has long known: bilberry is one of the most powerful vision-supporting supplements available today.
Bilberry for Eyes
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is particularly rich in compounds called anthocyanins — the natural plant pigments responsible for its deep red-blue colour. These anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, improve microcirculation, and support eye function in a number of ways. That’s why bilberry for eyes has become a focus of both traditional remedies and modern clinical research.
Here are 4 science-backed bilberry benefits for eyesight that make it a standout in the world of vision supplements:
- Relieves eye strain: By reducing oxidative stress on the focusing muscles of the eye, bilberry can help soothe tired eyes and improve reading comfort.
- Supports tear production: Its antioxidant content promotes ocular lubrication and eases dry eye symptoms.
- Enhances night vision: Bilberry anthocyanins support rhodopsin regeneration — a protein needed for low-light and night-time vision. In WWII, British fighter pilots famously consumed bilberry jam to improve night-time bombing accuracy.
- Improves circulation to the retina and optic nerve: Studies show bilberry helps support peripheral vision and retina health by promoting ocular blood flow and microcirculation.
“Oral consumption of standardised bilberry extract for 12 weeks relieves the tonic accommodation of the ciliary muscle caused by video display tasks and near-vision tasks.” Dr Marie Kosehira, Nutrients, 2020
And that’s just the beginning. Nutravision is an award-winning vision supplement that uses high-potency European bilberry extract to ensure your eyes receive the full benefit — in combination with other synergistic, precisely dosed nutrients.
It’s especially helpful for those managing long-term eye conditions like optic nerve stress or elevated eye pressure — common in people dealing with glaucoma. By supporting circulation and reducing oxidative stress, bilberry provides important nutritional support for those looking to go beyond traditional treatments.
“Anthocyanins could be effective for improving visual function in patients with normal tension glaucoma.” Dr Seong Hee Shim, Journal of Medicinal Food, 2012
Bilberry Benefits
While its eye health effects are most well-known, bilberry offers several additional benefits:
- Improved vascular health and blood flow
- Protection against oxidative stress and inflammation
- Potential blood sugar support for individuals with diabetes
- Anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties
Think of bilberry as not only an eye supplement — but also a general health supplement that supports cardiovascular function, cellular resilience and healthy ageing.
Do You Need a Bilberry Supplement — or Can You Just Eat Berries?
"Why do I need a bilberry supplement, when I can just eat plenty of berries?" I hear you ask. That's actually a really good question.
Fresh berries are great, but they’re not enough. Bilberries have significantly higher amounts of anthocyanins compared to many other berries, and are not easily available. To experience the full benefits of bilberry for your eyes, you need a standardised bilberry supplement extract — ideally with 36% anthocyanins.
Higher anthocyanin content means a stronger impact on circulation, peripheral vision, and long-term resilience — especially for those dealing with age-related decline or chronic eye conditions.
When choosing a bilberry supplement:
- Look for European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), not American blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum)
- Choose extracts standardised to 36% anthocyanins for best results
Nutravision includes high-quality European bilberry with 36% anthocyanins as part of its multi-nutrient vision formula. This formula is crafted using our pioneering NP-10 System™ — a targeted framework that supports 10 key cellular pathways involved in long-term eye, nerve, and brain health. Combined with saffron, lutein, ginkgo biloba, nicotinamide (vitamin B3), and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12), it takes the guesswork out of daily eye care.
“You could take separate capsules of bilberry, lutein, saffron, and vitamin B3 — or you could take Nutravision and get everything in one precise, science-backed, easy-to-use formula.”
Bilberry vs Blueberry for Eyes
| Bilberry | Blueberry | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Dark purple throughout | Blue skin, white-green flesh |
| Anthocyanin content | 2–4x higher | Lower |
| Geographic origin | Europe | North America |
| Eye health benefits | Strong clinical support | General antioxidant support |
While both are nutritious, bilberry is superior for vision support due to its higher anthocyanin levels and deeper impact on microcirculation and retina protection.
Which is Better for Eyes, Lutein or Bilberry?
I often get asked this question: is lutein or bilberry better for eyes?
Lutein is a carotenoid—a naturally occurring pigment found in colourful vegetables and flowers, including spinach, kale, carrots and marigold flowers. Alongside zeaxanthin, lutein accumulates in the macula, forming a natural defence barrier against harmful light and oxidative damage.
So which is better for eyes, lutein or bilberry? This shouldn't be an either-or question. In fact, lutein and bilberry work best together:
- Lutein supports central vision — filtering harmful UV and blue light, and protecting the macula
- Bilberry supports peripheral vision — by promoting blood flow to the retina and optic nerve
Together, they provide comprehensive coverage for your visual system. That’s why Nutravision includes both — giving you the best of both worlds in one clinically designed, synergistic formula.
Final Thoughts: Should You Add Bilberry to Your Daily Routine?
If you spend hours on screens, struggle with dry or tired eyes, or face challenges with optic nerve health and eye pressure, a quality bilberry supplement could make a real difference to your eyes.
And when paired with saffron, lutein, and other eye-essential nutrients, its effects are even more powerful.
Nutravision delivers bilberry in its most bioavailable form — standardised to 36% anthocyanins — and combined with science-backed ingredients to nourish your eye-nerve-brain ecosystem. Trusted by thousands across Australia, it’s a smarter way to support your long-term vision."
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