Eyebright, also known as euphrasia, is an herbal medicine. It is most often used to treat sinus infections, runny nose, and sore or red eyes. When eyebright is used as an herbal medicine for eye ailments it is used in the form of eye drops. As with all medications there are side effects of eyebright herbal medicine that all patients should be aware of.
Most patients experience no side effects with eyebright herbal medicine, however they can occur and so can an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can be very serious and warrant immediate medical attention. The side effects of eyebright herbal medicine that may indicate an allergic reaction include skin rash or hives, swollen or itchy skin, chest pain, tightness in the chest or throat and difficulty breathing.
There are other side effects of eyebright herbal medicine as well. Like an allergic reaction, these side effects do not occur often, but when they do they warrant immediate medical attention. The other side effects of eyebright herbal medicine include eyelid swelling, upset stomach, vision changes, weakness, confusion, trouble seeing in bright light, tears, sweating, severe eye pressure accompanied by tearing, headache, itching, stuffy nose, abnormal eye sensitivity, eyelids that are swollen and red, sneezing, trouble sleeping, cough and toothache. These side effects tend to only occur when a patient is taking large amounts of eyebright herbal medicine.
Eyebright herbal medicine also carries some warnings. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their physician before taking eyebright. Some pregnant or breastfeeding women may be able to take this herbal medicine, but in some cases it can cause adverse effects. Those using eyebright herbal medicine should also not place this herb directly onto the eyes. Doing this could cause eye infections. It could also lead to further complications if any of the eyebright herbal medicine herb particles get into the eye.
When using eyebright herbal medicine for eye issues such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelash follicles and eyelids), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the eye, also referred to as pink eye), stye (eyelid gland infection) or eye fatigue one must be very careful to mix the eyebright solution perfectly. Not doing so can lead to potentially serious complications and side effects of eyebright herbal medicine. It is recommended that all people wanting to use eyebright for eye issues consult a physician first, especially for correct dosage. Some expert recommend the following: five to ten tincture drops in a cup of water. Use it as an eye compress with the affected eye closed. It can also be used as an eyewash with extreme carefulness.
Combining eyebright herbal medicine with other drugs may cause side effects and adverse drug reactions. Before taking eyebright it is very important to tell the prescribing doctor about all of the medications, prescription, herbal and over-the-counter, the patient is taking. The side effects of eyebright herbal medicine caused by combining it with another drug can be serious and can include things such as respiratory distress, chest pain and other similar medical issues.
