What is eyebright?
The use of eyebright in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
Eyebright is also known as Euphrasia officinalis and euphrasia.
Eyebright has been used for congestion of the nose, sinuses, and eyes; inflammation of the
eyelids; eye styes; eye fatigue symptoms; other eye disorders; and coughs and hoarseness. Since the
efficacy of eyebright has not been proven in the treatment of eye disorders and application to the eyes
may be unsanitary, the use of eyebright in the eye is generally not recommended.
Eyebright has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of eyebright may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
Eyebright may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking eyebright?
Inflammation or irritation of the eyes could be signs of a potentially serious infection. Eyebright
should not be used to treat an eye condition without consulting a physician. Eyebright should also not be
used in the eyes if you wear any type of contact lenses or if you have had any recent eye surgery (laser
vision correction, cataract surgery, cornea transplant surgery, etc.).
Before using eyebright, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care professional if you have
allergies (especially to plants), have any medical condition, or if you take other medicines or other
herbal/health supplements. Eyebright may not be recommended in some situations.
Do not
use eyebright without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether eyebright will harm an unborn baby.
Do not
use eyebright without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby. It is also not known whether eyebright will harm a nursing infant.
There is no information available regarding the use of eyebright by children. Do not give any
herbal/health supplement to a child without first talking to the child's doctor.
How should I take eyebright?
The use of eyebright in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by
current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary
health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of
herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care
providers involved may be advantageous.
If you choose to use eyebright, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor,
pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Since the efficacy of eyebright has not been proven in the treatment of eye disorders and
application to the eyes may be unsanitary, the use of eyebright in the eyes is generally not
recommended.
Standardized extracts, tinctures, and solid formulations of herbal/health supplements may
provide a more reliable dose of the product.
To ensure the correct dose, measure the liquid forms of eyebright with a dropper or a
dose-measuring spoon or cup.
Do not use different formulations (e.g., liquids, teas, and others) of eyebright at the same
time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations
together increases the risk of an overdose of eyebright.
Store eyebright as directed on the package. In general, eyebright should be protected from light
and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose of eyebright?
No information is available regarding a missed dose of eyebright. Consult your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care professional if you require further information.
Where can I get more information about eyebright?
Your pharmacist has information about eyebright written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of eyebright?
Although rare, allergic reactions to eyebright may occur. Stop using eyebright and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including
difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives.
Other side effects have been reported with the use of large amounts of eyebright. Stop using
eyebright and consult your doctor or health care professional if you experience
-
pressure in the eyes causing tearing, itching, redness, or swelling of
the eyelids;
-
eye sensitivity to light;
-
dim vision;
-
confusion;
-
weakness;
-
sneezing or runny nose;
-
toothache;
-
constipation;
-
hoarseness, cough, or shortness of breath;
-
yawning;
-
insomnia;
-
sweating; or
-
increased urination.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about eyebright?
Since the efficacy of eyebright has not been proven in the treatment of eye disorders and
application to the eyes may be unsanitary, the use of eyebright in the eyes is generally not
recommended.
Inflammation or irritation of the eyes could be signs of a potentially serious infection. Eyebright
should not be used to treat an eye condition without consulting a physician. Eyebright should also not be
used in the eyes if you wear any type of contact lenses or if you have had any recent eye surgery (laser
vision correction, cataract surgery, cornea transplant surgery, etc.).
Eyebright has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential
risks and/or advantages of eyebright may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated
manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health
supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health
supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.
What should I avoid while taking eyebright?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using eyebright, unless otherwise
directed by your health care provider.
What other drugs will affect eyebright?
Interactions between eyebright and other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or
herbal/health supplements have not been reported. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care
professional before taking eyebright if you are taking any other medicines or supplements.
What happens if I have an overdose of eyebright?
