Does Euphrasia have rebound effect?

[xpro]

Vasoconstrictors that are in eye drops like Visine, Cleareyes, etc cause rebound effect. They are not safe for long term use.

I've used Euphrasia (eyebright) before and it makes my eyes feel so fresh and also gets rid of redness. I've been doing research on this herb and I've read that it shrinks tissue. I want to get a doctor's thought on the long term use of this herb. This herb helps with my eye allergies and that is why I want to use it.

Is Euphrasia safe for long term use (years)?
Will Euphrasia cause a rebound effect?

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

If the Eyebright is a sterile solution, it is unlikely to cause an infection.  The medications which cause rebound and can lead to worsening redness with chronic use are those which say that they "get the red out".  These should be used infrequently.

[flossy93]

I hope one of the forum doctors lets you know what they think about euphrasia/Similisan allergy eye.  I don't know if the homeopathic ingredients in these preparations have been tested for safety/frequency/duration of use.

Perhaps you are allergic to the preservatives in most of the antihistamine eyedrops such as Zaditor.  Similisan Eye Allergy has a different type of preservative than Zaditor so maybe that's why it works for you.

Without knowing whether it's the preservative that's the problem, this may not help but a while back there was a discussion thread about whether preservative-free allergy eye drops were available.  Someone posted about one that can be ordered online - Zaditen Preservative Free - although it's from an Australian domain, I think:  http://www.epharmacy.com.au/product.asp?id=56979&pname=Zaditen+LDS+0%2E025%25+0%2E4ml+20

I hope you get an answer to your original post.

[xpro]

I'm referring to eye bright being used directly on the eye. There are commercial eye drops that contain it such "Similasan Allergy Eye Relief " or "eyebright drops wisdom of the ages"

I've tried some antihistamine eyedrops such as Zaditor but they irritate my eyes.

[flossy93]

Are you taking Eyebright by mouth or using drops or compresses directly on/in the eye?  The answer may help a doctor on this forum determine if your use of Eyebright is safe.

I'm not a doctor but have read that use of Eyebright/euphrasia directly in the eye carries a risk of potential infection and ocular complications.

You may have heard there are now antihistamine eyedrops available over the counter to help with eye itch and redness due to certain allergies.  There are also prescription eyedrops to help with allergy.  If you haven't already done so, you might discuss your specific eye allergy problems with an eye doctor to see if there are any sterile preparations for the eye that could help and might be safer to use than the Eyebright.  Good luck.