Blueberries and Eye Health: Astonishing Connections Revealed by Scientific Research

5. Blueberries and Glaucoma: Potential Preventive Effects

Often brought on by unusually high eye pressure, glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that compromise the optic nerve. Among older persons especially, it is among the main causes of blindness globally. Early identification and treatment can help decrease or stop visual loss even if glaucoma cannot be cured. Fascinatingly, new studies have started to investigate how blueberries might help to either prevent or control glaucoma. Research on blueberries' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities first takes the stage. By harming the cells of the trabecular meshwork, which is in charge of draining fluid from the eye, oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to help glaucoma develop and worsen. Intraocular pressure can rise and optic nerve injury results when this drainage mechanism is impaired. Rats fed a diet high in blueberries had much lower intraocular pressure than those on a control diet, according a study written up in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The researchers linked this impact to the high anthocyanin content in blueberries, which might allow the trabecular meshwork function to be improved and fluid drainage from the eye enhanced. Moreover, blueberries' neuroprotective qualities could shield the optic nerve from damage brought on by high intraocular pressure. Comprising around a million nerve fibres, the optic nerve is essential for delivering visual data from the eye to the brain. Blueberries' antioxidants—especially their anthocyanins and vitamin C—may improve general health and help shield these nerve fibres from oxidative damage. Blueberries' capacity to increase blood flow adds still another possible advantage for glaucoma prevention. Delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the visual nerve as well as waste product removal depend on enough blood flow. Some studies point to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve as possibly contributing to glaucoma development. Blueberries' flavonoids have been demonstrated to increase blood flow and might aid to preserve good circulation to the eyes. Although these results are encouraging, most investigations on blueberries and glaucoma have been carried out in animal or laboratory environments. Comprehensive knowledge of the possible advantages of blueberries for glaucoma prevention and management in humans depends on more human clinical studies.