J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2013 Aug;54(8):1255-1260.

The Efficacy of Vaccinium Uliginosum for Early Age-Related Macula Degeneration

• Kil HK
• Song YM
• Chun K

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the effect of Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) extract in eyes with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
METHODS
Forty-four eyes of forty four patients with early AMD were included in this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled study. All participants were randomly assigned to either the placebo group (n = 24), or the bog bilberry extract group (n = 20). Before drug administration, an ophthalmic examination which included slit lamp microscopy, best corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure was performed, and repeated 1and 3 months after treatment. Objective scatter index, glare and tear film break-up time were checked by Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS, Visiometrics, Spain) and drusen volume, central macular thickness, and RPE and IS/OS junction thickness were investigated with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg, Germany).
RESULTS
In the bog bilberry extract group, RPE and IS/OS junction thickness was significantly increased compared to the placebo group after 3 months of drug administration.
CONCLUSIONS
Bog Bilberry extract may play a favorable role in preventing the atrophic change of RPE and IS/OS junction layer and the progression of early macular degeneration.

Keyword

Age-related macular degeneration; Bog bilberry; IS/OS junction; Optical coherence tomography

MeSH Terms

Eye
Glare
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Macular Degeneration
Microscopy
Tears
Tomography, Optical Coherence
Vaccinium
Vaccinium myrtillus
Visual Acuity
Wetlands

Figure

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  Figure 1. The Photographs of bog bilberries (Vaccinium uliginosum).

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  Figure 2. Retinal thickness between RPE and IS/OS junction was measured at the fovea. RPE and IS/OS thickness (red line) and fo-veal thicknss (yellow line).

Reference

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