Study Finds Blueberries May Protect Against Dry Eye Disease

Newswise — Seattle, Wash. – Pterostilbene (PS), a component of blueberries, have been found to protect against dry eye disease according to a new study. The research is being presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Seattle, Wash.

When introduced to human corneal epithelial cells, PS significantly reduced the levels of oxidative damage, which in turn reduced inflammation. Inflammation can contribute to dry eye disease, a condition that becomes increasing common with age. PS is a molecule chemically related to resveratrol.

Abstract Title: Blueberry Component Pterostilbene Protects Corneal Epithelial Cells from Inflammatory and oxidative stressPresentation Start/End Time: Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 8:30 – 10:15amLocation: Exhibit/Poster HallAbstract Number: 4353 - A0156

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.
All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.