ANTHOCYANIDINS found in bilberry fruits may be useful for people with vision problems. It is believed that British Royal Air Force pilots flying night missions during World War II ate bilberry jam to improve their vision and relieve tired eyes. The jam was made from ripe bilberries, which are deep-blue red in colour.

Anthocyanidin, which belongs to the class of flavonoids, is a pigment commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is one of the richest sources. However, in recent years, hot and dry weather has reduced the harvest of bilberry. This makes the fruits even more precious.

Anthocyanidins help protect the retina, the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye and sends nerve impulses to the visual areas of the brain.

Studies conducted in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s suggest that the anthocyanidins in bilberry fruit preparations improve symptoms of a variety of visual disturbances including near-sightedness, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Benefits of Bilberry:
- Improves capillary strength and flexibility

- Increases capillary blood flow in the eyes

- Increases the generation of enzymes responsible for energy production in the eyes

Eyebright is a European wild plant. It is traditionally used to treat eye irritation. The whole herb is used medicinally. Eyebright is used primarily as a topical compress of eye inflammation. It is beneficial for reducing redness and swelling. Nowadays, you can find eyebright as a supplement, normally in combination with bilberry for synergistic effects.

Other eye herbs worth mentioning are lycium (kei chi in Chinese) and lutein. Lycium is known to be a rich source of antioxidants, specifically zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin is well-absorbed from lycium. Zeaxanthin absorbs blue light and therefore, like the pigment lutein, is thought to be beneficial to the human eye.

Good sources of lutein include vegetables such as spinach, brussel sprouts, cabbage and kale. Incorporating these into the daily diet will do you good.

Apart from that, gentle eye exercises and getting some rest in between your study or work may help give your eyes a break too. Adequate sleep ensures that your eyes are refreshed. Proper use of contact lenses and frequent cleaning may reduce the risk of getting eye infection and inflammation.

Lastly, get your eyes checked regularly (at least once a year) by an optometrist to determine if you have any problems with your eyes including cataracts, changes in your eyesight and glaucoma.

The writer is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@steamyx.com.

This story was first published in The New Straits Times on Mar 17, 2008.