eyebright

Generic Name: eyebright (EYE brite)

Brand Names:

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 product guide.

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.

Who should not use 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 use 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?

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra altmed to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using eyebright?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Eyebright side effects

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

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  pressure in the eyes causing tearing, itching, redness, or swelling of the eyelids;

  
  


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  eye sensitivity to light;

  
  


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  dim vision;

  
  


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  confusion;

  
  


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  weakness;

  
  


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  sneezing or runny nose;

  
  


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  toothache;

  
  


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  constipation;

  
  


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  hoarseness, cough, or shortness of breath;

  
  


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  yawning;

  
  


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  insomnia;

  
  


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  sweating; or

  
  


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  increased urination.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

More eyebright resources

• Eyebright Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Eyebright - Add your own review/rating

• Eyebright Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)


• Eyebright Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare eyebright with other medications

• Cough
• Eye Dryness/Redness
• Eye Redness/Itching
• Herbal Supplementation
• Nasal Congestion
• Rhinorrhea
• Sinusitis

Where can I get more information?

• Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.