How to Use Bilberry to Improve Eyesight

The bilberry, which is a close relative to the common blueberry, has been routinely used to improve eyesight since RAF pilots in World War II took it to increase night vision during bombing raids. Since it is edible, it is easy to use bilberry as part of a diet to improve your eyesight.

Things You'll Need

• Bilberries
• Optometrist or ophthalmologist

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Instructions

• 1

  Find a source for fresh bilberry. While bilberries grow freely throughout temperate and subarctic regions of the world, it may still be difficult to find a source for fresh bilberries since their season, which ranges from late spring to early summer, is fairly short. Your best bet is to find a health food store or local farm for fresh bilberry.

• 2

  Freeze fresh bilberry in order to expand your supply throughout the year. They can be thawed and enjoyed, or they can be eaten frozen, with a consistency reminiscent of sherbet. Note that even frozen bilberries will only remain edible for a few months.

• 3

  Use bilberry extract to improve your eyesight, which is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of bilberry, even when the actual fruit is not in season. The extracts are usually concentrated to isolate the bilberry flavonoids, powerful anti-oxidants which restore circulation in small capillaries. Bilberry extract is usually found in a liquid form, with a few drops in water or juice taken with each meal.

• 4

  Use bilberries in many of your favorite recipes. Bilberry can be used in pies, tarts, jams and preserves. In addition, bilberry juice is one of the best ways for your body to absorb the antioxidant agents through the bloodstream. However, you may want to exercise caution, since the juice may leave a permanent stain on your clothes, furniture or carpet.

• 5

  Take the easy route. Buy bilberry in easy-to-take softgels manufactured by a reputable firm, such as Natures Way or TwinLab.

• 6

  Schedule a visit with your ophthalmologist or optometrist to determine if the use of bilberry in your diet has helped you to improve your eyesight. While there is no medical research to support the use of bilberry as a method to enhance vision, antioxidants generally support healthy circulation and healing, which could enhance your eyesight.