Cataracts often result in blurry vision, changes in color and glare problems. In time, advanced cataracts could lead to blindness -- and this is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, the World Health Organization says. Knowing whether bilberry affects cataracts may help you when considering treatment options.
Cataracts
The natural lens of your eye sits just behind the iris, the colored muscle of your eye. As a result of age, genetics, injury or other causes, the proteins of the lens start to harden and clump together, forming the cataract, the National Eye Institute says. Your doctor may inform you that you have the early stages of cataracts, but you may not notice vision changes until the cataract advances.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a plant that produces edible berries used for cooking, as well as for herbal remedies. During World War II, the British pilots of the Royal Air Force reported an improvement in their night vision after eating bilberry jam, reports MedlinePlus. These reports may have helped promote bilberry as an important element in healthy eyes and vision. The anthocyanosides in bilberry help the body produce rhodospin, an important pigment that aids in vision, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. This means the compounds in bilberry may not directly improve vision and eye health, but bilberry may offer benefits to the eye.
Prevention
Once the cataract forms, you cannot reverse the damage to the lens. Bilberry will not reverse cataracts, but using it may help prevent or slow damage. Other methods of preventing or slowing cataracts include quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses, eating a healthful diet and monitoring your overall health, says MayoClinic.com.
Dosage
Before using bilberry, discuss this supplement with your health care provider. Bilberry may interact with medication or supplements, and the plant may also complicate medical conditions. If you and your doctor agree that bilberry may help protect your eyes from cataracts, your doctor can recommend a dosage suitable for your condition and overall health. For eye-related conditions, the dosage may range from 80mg to 480mg bilberry extract up to three times daily, the University of Maryland Medical Center says.
Considerations
Discuss bilberry use with your doctor before using it. If you have vision loss from cataracts that limits your ability to read, drive or perform other tasks in your daily life, your eye doctor may recommend surgical removal of your cataracts. Only proceed with surgery when you feel your vision prevents you enjoying certain activities or working.
