What is the Safety and Side Effects of Eyebright Extract?

Eyebright drops may be harmful to certain people, including those who wear contacts or those who have had cataract removal, corneal transplants, laser eye surgery, or other eye procedures. Such individuals should consult a physician prior to using eyebright drops. Also, eyebright drops should not be used without consulting a health care provider, as some products may not be sterile and appropriate for use in the eyes.

When ingested, eyebright may cause a number of side effects, including:

• constipation
• headache
• insomnia
• nausea
• respiratory problems

Go here to learn more about using dietary supplements safely.

What is the Alternatives to Eyebright Extract?

There are a number of ways to improve your eye health with natural remedies, alternative therapies, and self-care techniques. 

If you're struggling with eyestrain, for instance, try incorporating these simple exercises into your daily routine.

For help in treating dry eye syndrome (the most widespread eye disorder), consider increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Preliminary research indicates that the omega-3s known as gamma-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid may alleviate symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

There's also some evidence that certain natural remedies may help sharpen your eyesight. To that end, some research shows that lutein may enhance visual function in healthy adults and in people with age-related macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness). Available in dietary supplement form, lutein is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables with deep green, orange, and yellow coloring.

In addition, preliminary research suggests that bilberry may aid in the treatment of glaucoma, as well as protect against eye problems commonly linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. The herb ginkgo biloba also shows promise in the treatment of glaucoma. 

Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on using supplements here, but if you're considering the use of eyebright, talk with your primary care provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

#EyebrightExtract