Sep 23 2008
Bilberry, Pine Bark and Glaucoma
New study shows that supplementing with bilberry can helps lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Uncontrolled high IOP is the major cause of vision loss for those with glaucoma.
In a study performed by researchers from the University of Chieti-Pescara in San Valentino, Italy, thirty-eight subjects with IOP were either given bilberry and French maritime pine bark (20 subjects) or were not treated (18 subjects)1. The visual acuity, IOP, and ocular blood flow were measured at two, three, and six months. After two months of supplementation the mean IOP decreased. No side effects were observed and ocular blood flow improved. An improved ocular blood flow may contribute to the prevention of glaucoma. The results of this study indicate that bilberry and pine bark may represent a safe preventative intervention for lowering the risk for developing symptomatic glaucoma by controlling IOP and improving ocular blood flow. This helps to support research for other preventative nutritional approaches to major eye health, such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy.
For more information on nutrition and glaucoma, go to www.naturaleyecare.com
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