Standardized Berry Extract Improves Selected Visual Function Outcomes in Presbyopia: A Randomized, Double-Blind,...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Presbyopia, an age-related vision decline, is linked to lens stiffening and neuroretinal changes.
• Limited evidence exists on berry phytochemicals' effects on presbyopia.
• Aronia melanocarpa, Lonicera caerulea, and Vaccinium myrtillus are sources of beneficial compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a standardized berry extract (AKB) on visual performance.
• To assess AKB's influence on circulating biomarkers related to ocular homeostasis.
• To explore potential benefits for age-related near vision decline.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial.
• 23 adults over 50 years old participated.
• Intervention involved AKB (400 mg twice daily) or placebo for 6 weeks with a 5-week washout.

Main Results:

• AKB improved near contrast sensitivity and visual-field parameters compared to placebo.
• Favorable changes observed in VEP and OCT readouts.
• AKB modulated specific circulating biomarkers (αA-/αB-crystallin, ALDH1A1, TRPV4) but not systemic antioxidant enzymes or AGEs.

Conclusions:

• Short-term AKB supplementation demonstrated modest, exploratory effects on visual function and biomarkers.
• Findings suggest potential, but preliminary, benefits for ocular homeostasis.
• Larger, longer-term studies are required to confirm clinical relevance and elucidate mechanisms.