Bilberry is also sometimes used by mouth to treat eye conditions such as disorders of the retina, cataracts, nearsightedness, and glaucoma. There is some evidence that bilberry may help retinal disorders, but there is no good scientific evidence that bilberry is effective for treating other eye conditions.
Why are bilberries good for your eyes?
Blueberry and bilberry extracts are also promoted as dietary supplements to help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the irreversible condition that occurs when the macula, the central portion of the retina, deteriorates. The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that detects light.
What are the side effects of bilberry?
Common side effects of Bilberry include:
- Wasting syndrome (cachexia): weight loss, muscle loss, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite.
- Anemia.
- Yellowing skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Excitation at high doses (animal studies)
- May affect blood sugar levels.
