Cells called rods and cones make up the macula, a small area of tissue that rests on the retinal tissue lining the back of your eye. If the cells that make up the macular tissue start to break down, typically with age, this condition, called macular degeneration, may result in loss of your straight-head vision. In an effort to prevent or slow down the disease, many people turn to alternative treatments, such as bilberry, to protect their vision. Always check with your doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
Types
Macular degeneration can result in two different forms. The first type, dry macular degeneration, begins with the breakdown of macular cells. As the damage progresses, you may notice a blurry area in the center of your vision, and you may need more light to perform daily tasks, such as reading. Wet macular degeneration occurs when new, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula in response to the damage to the cells. These vessels may break and cause blood to leak under the macula, displacing the tissue and causing sudden vision changes. You may notice that familiar objects, such as streetlights, may have a bent or wavy appearance.
Bilberry
Bilberry is a fruit similar in appearance and taste to blueberries. During World War II, British pilots reported that after eating bilberry jam, they noticed a marked improvement in night vision. Researchers continue to study these claims, but they have not come to a conclusion about these possible benefits. However, many people take bilberry supplements to reduce the risk of macular degeneration or to slow down the progression of this eye disease. The component in bilberry called anthocyanosides may help vision, but the antioxidants in the bilberry fruit may help prevent cell breakdown in the macula.
Dose
The dose of bilberry will vary for each person, and this will depend on your general health and medications that you take. Dosages range from 80mg up to 48 mg of bilberry extract, divided into two or three doses each day.
Considerations
If you wish to use bilberry to help prevent macular degeneration damage, you should first talk with your doctor. Bilberry could affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and your doctor determines bilberry may work for you, she may recommend that you closely monitor your blood sugar while taking bilberry extract. Bilberry may also affect the rate that your blood clots and, if you take blood thinners, your doctor may determine bilberry is not appropriate for you since you will have an increased risk for bleeding.
