Anthocyanin-Rich Berries and Their Bioactive Compounds in Ocular Health: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

As a global public health challenge, ocular diseases are driven by interconnected mechanisms, including oxidative stress, vascular abnormalities, and neurodegeneration. This review analyzes the multitarget mechanisms of berry-derived bioactive components (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, quercetin, and resveratrol) in regulating ocular homeostasis. Beyond antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, these compounds delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma through mechanisms such as improving microcirculation, protecting photoreceptors, modulating angiogenesis, and inhibiting advanced glycation end-product deposition. Their protective effects involve the synergistic regulation of PI3K/AKT, Nrf2/HO-1, and VEGF pathways, supporting berry-based nutritional interventions for ocular health. Bioavailability and metabolism of these compounds are also discussed, highlighting their translational potential for the prevention and adjunctive therapy of ocular diseases.