Mayser H. M., Wilhelm H.

Universitäts-Augenklinik Tübingen, Abteilung für Neuroophthalmologie und Pathophysiologie des Sehens, Schleichstr.12-16, D-72076 Tübingen

Objective: Anthocyanosides are carbohydrates of reddish or blue colour with antioxidative activity. A particularly high concentration can be found in bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.). Anthocyanosides have been investigated with respect to anti-inflammatory activity, interaction with collagen, effect on blood vessels, lipid lowering activity and ophthalmic activity In the 1960s and 1970s a couple of publications described positive effects of bilberry extract on night and contrast vision and even on myopia. However, other investigations did not find such effects. In view of these contrary findings and the recurrent questions of our patients about anthocyan, we conducted this prospective study on the effect of anthocyanosides on dark adaptation and contrast vision.
Methods: 119 healthy volunteers (visual acuity 20/25 or better, normal IOP, no known eye diseases), randomized in two groups, took either one capsule containing 160 mg bilberry extract, standardized to 25% anthocyanosides, once daily p.o. for 4 weeks or a visually matching placebo as reference therapy. At the beginning and at the end of these 4 weeks, both groups where tested for visual acuity, dark adaptation and contrast vision. Dark adaptation was tested with dark adaptation goggles developed at our department, Contrast wision was testet with the Mesoptometer II (Oculus) and with the Freiburg Visus and Contrast Test. Visual acuity was tested with a standard optotype projector. After a washout- period of 4 weeks, placebo and verum were changed between the groups and the capsules were taken by the volunteers for another 4 weeks, again testing visual acuity and contrast vision before and after the 28 day intake period.
Results: Both groups showed a small improvement of dark adaptation as well as contrast vision at each visit; however, a statistical significant effect could not be found. Conclusion: We attribute the relatively small gain in dark adaptation and contrast vision to a possible placebo effect and to increasing practise of the subjects in the psychophysical methods used. Long term effects of anthocyanosides have not been studied, there is also no information about such effects in the literature.

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