In addition to two to three daily servings of green leafy vegetables, berries are considered

a healthy choice for the preservation of eye health.

As we age, our critical retinal pigment epithelium layer starts to break down. However, we may be able

to decelerate that aging with blueberries. Human RPE cells bathed in blueberry anthesinousin

had fewer free radicals in a lower proportion of aged cells, suggesting that blueberries and other

red, blue, and purple pigmented fruits and vegetables may help prevent age-related macular

degeneration. Protective properties have also been demonstrated in vitro on RPE cells from

purple sweet potato anthocyanin, as well as the yellow pigment in turmeric and an amla extract,

Indian gooseberry. However, the only human interventional trials on berries for vision were a month-long trial

of a bilberry extract that demonstrated significantly less eye strain after iPad use compared

to placebo, and a study showing three weeks of blueberry juice or freeze-dry blueberry powder,

both significantly improved

photostress recovery time, which is a time needed to recuperate visual acuity after bright light

exposure by about five seconds. Only one pigmented food has been put to the test in macular

degeneration patients, though the spice saffron. Saffron is so potent that the whole spice can be stuffed into capsules to pit them head-to-head

against placebo.

Those with early stage age-related macular degeneration were randomized to a tiny pinch,

20 milligrams, about eight threads of saffron versus placebo for three months.

Compared to the placebo group, the saffron group experienced a significant improvement in retinal flicker sensitivity.

That's our ability to pick out high-frequency light pulses rather than seeing the flickering

light as a steady beam that diminishes with age.

It's a sensitive test of retinal function, but is of questionable clinical value.

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