Ophthalmologist Viktor Gusev of the Happy Look optics chain said eating one or two glasses of blueberries per season supports eye health. Speaking to Russian news publication Lenta.ru, Gusev outlined the realistic medical benefits of the fruit while addressing widespread misconceptions regarding vision correction.
The specialist acknowledged that blueberries contain active compounds capable of supporting overall ocular health. However, he emphasized that neither blueberries nor any other foods, dietary supplements, or specialized techniques can cure fundamental vision errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Gusev explained that these vision conditions are directly caused by physical structural features of the eye. These include the specific shape of the eyeball, the curvature of the cornea, or natural changes within the eye lens. Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when the eyeball is slightly too long, causing distant objects to focus in front of the retina. Farsightedness, known as hyperopia, happens when the eyeball is too short, making nearby objects appear blurred. Astigmatism involves an irregular corneal shape that distorts light rays entering the eye. Because these refractive errors stem from anatomical geometry, dietary changes cannot alter the physical structure of the eye.
Nutritional benefits of anthocyanins
The primary benefit of blueberries comes from their high concentration of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments responsible for the deep red, purple, and blue colors found in berries and dark fruits. In the human body, these pigments function as potent antioxidants that protect cells against oxidative stress.
According to Gusev, anthocyanins help protect healthy cells, support blood vessel function, and contribute to safeguarding retinal tissue. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of nerve cells at the back of the inner eye responsible for converting visual images into nerve signals sent to the brain.
Despite these positive qualities, Gusev stressed that consuming large amounts of the fruit is unnecessary. He stated that people do not need to consume blueberries by the kilogram every day. Instead, eating one to two glasses of fresh blueberries during their natural harvest season provides a beneficial effect when integrated into a well-balanced diet.
Essential habits for maintaining vision
To preserve long-term eye health, Gusev stated that daily lifestyle habits and medical monitoring are far more effective than focusing on specific dietary items. He recommended scheduling regular vision examinations, managing daily visual loads, spending time outdoors in fresh air, wearing sunglasses, and using corrective glasses if vision deteriorates.
Proper selection of protective eyewear is also vital for preventing eye damage. Ophthalmologist Tatyana Shilova previously warned that certain low-quality sunglasses can harm vision rather than protect it. Shilova advised consumers to purchase protective sunglasses exclusively from specialized opticians or verified manufacturers to ensure appropriate quality and optical safety.
