BLUF: Bilberry is probably not effective in improving night vision visual acuity or contrast recognition.
It recently was brought to my attention that some pilots have added bilberry to their diets for improved night vision. The practice dates back to its use by Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in WWII.
WHAT IS IT?
Bilberry is a plant. The dried, ripe fruit and leaves are used to make medicine. During World War II, British pilots in the Royal Air Force ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision, but later research showed it probably didn't help.
IS IT EFFECTIVE?
A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled study from 2000 found no improvement in night vision in young males taking bilberry extract compared to placebo.
Possibly Ineffective for: Improving night vision. Most evidence suggests bilberry is not effective for improving night vision.
GFM RECOMMENDATION TO PILOTS
Although Bilberry has a fairly good safety track record, the best studies have not found any true effect on improved night vision. If you still want to use this supplement, add bilberry to your diet as a food source rather than extracts or pills.
Questions about supplements and FAA medical certification?