Eyebright: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview: Eyebright, also known as Euphrasia, is a plant. It is available over the counter as an herbal supplement and a homeopathic remedy. Eyebright is used for various reasons, including eye allergies, eye irritation, or congestion, but its benefits are not well defined. Check with a health care provider before using any eyebright product in your eye. Before using eyebright, also make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is eyebright used for?

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinale) is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may use eyebright include the following.

• Eye irritation or pink eye
• Eye allergies
• Styes
• Congestion

If you have an eye condition, such as pink eye, see a health care provider for possible treatment. Some eye conditions require prescription medicines, and delaying proper treatment could lead to worsening eye problems or vision loss.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed eyebright for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does eyebright work (mechanism of action)?

Eyebright is a plant that is also called Euphrasia officinale or simply Euphrasia. Other Euphrasia species, including E. rostkoviana Hayne, are sometimes used in eyebright products. Eyebright supplements are usually made from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Eyebright was used in ancient times for eye problems, which is how it got its name. But there is not enough research to know if it has benefits for eye problems or for any other use. One small study of Euphrasia eye drops in people with pink eye showed improvement in symptoms such as redness, swelling, and burning, but this study did not have a comparison group; so it is unclear if the improvement was due to the eye drops or if it happened on its own. Eyebright contains several types of natural plant chemicals. One is aucubin, which is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and may work by reducing the activity of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. However, the actual effects of eyebright are not well understood. Eyebright may also have antioxidant effects, meaning it may help protect cells from damage. It has shown some antibacterial activity and may also have drying and anti-mucus effects. However, these effects were seen mostly in lab studies and have not been proven in people. Herbal products such as eyebright naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store eyebright?

You should store eyebright according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of eyebright?

Eyebright seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you. There may be side effects of eyebright that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of eyebright?

While less common, the most serious side effects of eyebright are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Eyebright may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using eyebright and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Eye Irritation or Infection. If you are using eyebright eye drops, there is a risk of eye irritation or infection, especially if the product is not sterile. Herbal eye products that are not properly made may contain bacteria or other germs that can cause eye infections, which may be serious. Stop using eyebright and contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Increased eye pain or redness
• Worsening eye swelling or discharge
• Changes in vision
• Sensitivity to light

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use eyebright?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use eyebright.

• Euphrasia officinale
• Euphrasia
• Eyebright
• Eyebright grass
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific eyebright products they stock.

What should I know about eyebright before using it?

Eyebright is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep eyebright out of the reach of children. Eyebright supplements are available in many different forms, such as capsules, teas, dried powder, liquid extracts, herbal tinctures, and eye drops. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals naturally found in the plant. Eyebright is also used in some homeopathic products. Homeopathic products are extremely diluted and contain very little of the original plant material. Make sure you know which type of product you are using, and read the product label carefully. Check with a health care provider before using any eyebright product in your eye. This is especially important if you wear contact lenses, have an eye infection, have had recent eye surgery, or are planning to have eye surgery. Do not make your own eyewash or eye drops from eyebright tinctures or other eyebright products. Homemade preparations are not sterile and may cause serious eye infections or vision loss. Herbal products, such as eyebright, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific eyebright product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns. The FDA has not tested eyebright products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using eyebright?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if eyebright is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Other Medicines and Supplements. Eyebright may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using eyebright, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Eye disorders, such as cataracts or glaucoma
• Symptoms of a possible eye infection, such as red or itchy eyes, blurry vision, eye discharge or irritation, swollen eyelids, or fever
• Kidney or liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how eyebright could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if eyebright passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does eyebright interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between eyebright and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect eyebright.

Does eyebright interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. The interactions between eyebright and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with eyebright is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using eyebright with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much eyebright?

If you or someone else has used too much eyebright, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Eyebright comes in a range of doses and forms, such as capsules, teas, dried powder, liquid extracts, herbal tinctures, and eye drops. Follow the instructions on the product label and speak to a health care provider about how to use eyebright safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose. Disclaimer: This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.