8 Powerful Herbs for Eye Health and Sharper Vision

Eye fatigue? Blurry eyesight? Screen-related dry eye? These common eye problems give a lot of us trouble.

But did you know that you can get relief from both annoying and debilitating eye issues with herbs? These herbs can protect your eyes when over-the-counter products fall short.

Read on for 8 powerful herbs for eye health and sharper vision.

Can Herbs Enhance Eye Health?

Herbs do a lot more than add flavor to your favorite meals. When chosen carefully, they can make a measurable difference in the state of your eyes. And that’s why an increasing number of individuals have turned to herb-based nutritional supplements for eyes in the hope of maintaining or improving their vision and eye health.

Recent studies have proven that botanical compounds like curcumin and lutein can be beneficial for the following eye conditions because of their antiapoptotic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties:

• Glaucoma;
• Cataract;
• Retinitis pigmentosa;
• Diabetic retinopathy.

*This isn’t an exhaustive list of pathologies that herbs can alleviate.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) can also be improved through herbal supplementation which can complement artificial tears, which aren’t always helpful for sufferers of the condition.

And if your vision has deteriorated, herbs such as bilberry extract and ginkgo biloba have been shown to be associated with vision restoration, even though more studies need to be conducted.

None of the information provided is a substitute for medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications so please always check with your medical doctor before using them.

How Herbs Aid Vision and Ocular Function

Herbs work through various mechanisms to aid vision and ocular function. Some increase blood flow to the eye structures, and others protect sensitive eye nerves, filter harmful light, and more.

The way that an herb will affect your eyes depends on factors like the herb’s internal compounds and the state of your eyes and vision. Below, we’ll get into some of the most powerful herbs for both eye health and vision.

1.Bilberry: Antioxidant Boost for Retinal Health

If you’ve ever eaten bilberries, you know they’re delicious and heart-healthy. But bilberry – the plant these tasty berries come from – is a class 1 herb that holds serious potential for people experiencing macular degeneration from retinal damage (which could cause blindness).

The herb has antioxidants for eye health, called anthocyanins; they’re supportive for the following:

• Rhodopsin regeneration for night vision and adapting from high to low light conditions;
• Smooth muscle relaxation, which allows the retina to receive the blood and nutrients necessary for optimal function.

You can read on to learn more about the bilberry benefits for the eyes on our blog.

Small studies, most of which were conducted on lab animals, have shown that bilberry extract can reduce inflammation in the retina. And this could help those with reduced vision from developing retinal inflammation disease (RID), also called uveitis.

2.Eyebright: Herb for Relieving Eye Irritations

Ever heard of eyebright? It’s an herb originating in Europe; it has white and red flowers and is widely used for medicinal purposes. But the herb really shines when it comes to relieving eye inflammation. When your eyes are inflamed and irritated, the herb may help to calm things down.

In a study conducted on 65 adults with eye irritation from common issues like eye strain or pollen, 81% of study subjects experienced total relief of symptoms, such as:

• Swelling;
• Burning;
• Redness;
• Secretions.

It took up to a week for these results to manifest.

More research studies examining the use of eyebright for eye strain relief are needed and safety concerns exist.

If you want to use eyebright herbs for visual comfort, you can get it in an eye drop solution at a health food store or online.

3.Ginkgo Biloba: Boosting Blood Flow to the Optic Nerve

Ginkgo Biloba, a living fossil and widely celebrated natural supplement, is a type of tree that supports eye health byincreasing blood flow to the optic nerve. This can be advantageous for a wide range of eye conditions, including glaucoma.

However, researchers aren’t totally sure how the herb produces this effect. More research is needed to learn how to use ginkgo biloba for vision. It is also worth noting that Ginkgo Biloba can interact with certain medications so please check with your medical provider before using.

4.Turmeric and Curcumin: Combating Inflammation and Stress

Turmeric and curcumin (a turmeric derivative) are two heavy-hitters when it comes to eye inflammation and stress associated with early-stage glaucoma. Though they do not necessarily restore vision loss, researchers have found that they can reduce further loss of vision in glaucoma sufferers.

In a rat study where rats were given curcumin eye drops for three weeks (twice a day), rats receiving the treatment had reduced retinal cell loss compared to the other rats.

Circumin also protects against oxidative stress, which is known to lead to various eye diseases. So, by supplementing with curcumin or turmeric for eye health, you can decrease your personal risk of developing conditions like dry eye and cataracts.

5.Green Tea: Catechins for Retina Protection

Do you love green tea? Here’s a good reason to keep on drinking it! Green tea contains catechins (naturally occurring compounds with a range of health benefits).

The main catechin for eye health and retina protection is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is known to provide generalized protection for your retina, though green tea eye benefits do not extend to functional vision improvement.

6.Saffron: Evidence for Macular Degeneration Support

Saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, does so much more than infuse an earthy, floral taste to high-ticket culinary dishes.

According to a 2016 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial led by professor and researcher Alireza Lashay, the herb also helps to improve retinal function for patients diagnosed with both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration.

Another study, conducted in 2017, evaluated 54 subjects who took saffron for vision improvement daily for three months. The results were astonishing, showing that participants taking the herb had better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity than the placebo group.

7.Fennel and Anise: Herbs for Eye Cleanliness and Brightness

When used in teas, compresses, or washes, fennel can be instrumental in keeping eyes fresh, clear, and vibrant.

And as a bonus, both of these herbs are antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory, which means they can protect against eye diseases and conditions. While these two herbs have a long history in remedies, scientific studies need to validate their use.

8.Triphala: Ayurvedic Blend for Eye Rejuvenation

Looking for ayurvedic herbal remedies for eye care? Allow us to introduce you to triphala.

It’s a rejuvenative treatment consisting of a combination of herbs with rejuvenative properties:

• Terminalia chebula (Haritaki);
• Emblica officinalis (Amalaki);
• Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki).

Together, these vitamin C and flavonoid-rich herbs hold some amazing benefits for eye health and vision loss prevention.

The blend has been found to:

• Restore glutathione levels in the lens of the eye;
• Increase antioxidant enzyme activity;
• Greatly reduce the risk of cataracts in mice (study information can be found in this research paper, highlighting the fact that it’s among the most promising cataract prevention herbs).

Herbal Teas and Extracts: Tips for Eye Health Supplementation

Are you already considering eye health supplements? Taking the plunge could be the best possible choice for your vision and ocular health.

But before you get started, keep the following healthy eyesight tips in mind for the best results:

• Don’t try several different teas and extracts at one time. Otherwise, it’d be difficult to determine how your body is responding, what works, and what doesn’t. You might also have trouble avoiding potentially dangerous herbal interactions.
• Choose organic, higher-quality teas over cheaper alternatives. Much of the time, when it comes to herbal teas and extracts, you get what you pay for. Going with organic products from reputable brands can help you avoid contaminants and manmade pesticides.
• Remember to be consistent. Taking a supplement here and there is unlikely to get you the results you’re looking for. You need to be consistent – daily use is standard, and it’s important to stay on track.
• Relax and trust the process. Many times, it takes several weeks to see substantial results from herbal teas and extracts for eye health.
• Pair your herbal teas with a healthy vision diet. A good diet for eye health contains lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc (we’ll examine later) along with other eye-healthy nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, selenium, omega 3s, and more.

Safety Tips and Drug Interactions with Eye Medications

According to the FDA, eye medications that are applied directly to the eye are known to evade several of the body’s natural protective barriers.

So, every time you use a natural or synthetic eye drop product, compress, wash, or medication, there’s a chance of infection and adverse reactions. On top of that, using the wrong combination of eye products could spell trouble.

To prevent these problems, keep the following safety tips in mind: 

• Before handling your eyes or eye medications, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Be on the lookout for side effects, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor if you’re uncomfortable or concerned about anything.
• Don’t allow the eye drop bottle to touch any other surface, including your eye.
• Always talk to an eye care specialist prior to trying any eye care remedy; they can give tailored advice on how to implement natural remedies for eyesight and eye health tailored to your specific case.
• Read all product labels very closely to ensure you’re using them properly.

Last but not least, always check for drug interactions. You can do so by calling a pharmacist, talking to your doctor, and/or looking up interactions online.

Combining Herbs with Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Zinc

It’s not uncommon for eye care supplements to include an herbal mix with lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc.

Here’s a quick look at what each component brings to the mix:

• Lutein. It’s a carotenoid naturally found in the eye. Lutein-rich foods and supplements can be taken internally to protect against cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye disorders.
• Zeaxanthin. Another carotenoid present in the eye. The nutrient is known to improve your vision, especially in low-light conditions or high-glare situations. It also reduces your risk of diseases associated with the eyes.
• Zinc. A nutrient that aids in the production of melanin pigment, which has a protective effect on the eye’s structures. According to multiple studies, when you combine zinc with an antioxidant-containing vitamin, you may be able to slow the progression of AMD (age-related macular degeneration).

When to Consult an Eye Care Professional vs. Herbs

You should always consult an eye care professional, whether you want help with herbal eye wellness practices or more conventional help. There are risks with either route, and you only get one set of eyes.

Also, if you lean too heavily on alternative eye treatments and remedies, you may be led to put off conventional treatment for too long. In cases like these, the consequences to your eye health and vision could be steep.

So, if you’re considering herbal eye care, ring up your doctor for advice; everyone can use a little extra eye health awareness.

Conclusion: Evidence for Herbs in Long-Term Eye Health

Even though more research is needed, evidence regarding the merits of herbs for long-term eye health is continually growing, and the picture is becoming clearer and clearer.

From bilberry’s antioxidant protection to saffron’s impact on macular degeneration, many herbs show real potential in easing common eye concerns and even slowing the progression of degenerative eye conditions.

While herbs can offer incredible support for eye health, your eyes also need targeted daily nutrition to function at their best—especially in today’s screen-heavy world. That’s why combining smart herbal choices with a comprehensive supplement can make all the difference.

Our eyes are among the hardest-working parts of the body, yet they’re often the most neglected when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Without proper nutritional support, our eyes naturally begin to strain harder to carry out their everyday normal functions we didn’t even think about in our youth. This is why we created Restore Vision, which harnesses the power of carotenoids and antioxidants to support vision health and clarity.

Click here to learn more about Restore Vision, our unique solution that provides nutritional support for tired eyes that work all day long. Its powerful combination of 7 multi-purpose ingredients works synergistically to calm, enrich, and nourish normal vision, providing clear and comprehensive eye health support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What simple trick will improve your vision to 20/20?

There’s no trick that’s guaranteed to improve your vision to 20/20. And if anyone tells you that their product or technique will fully restore your sight, there’s something wrong. Speak to a professional for evidence-based techniques to explore. They’ll help you formulate an eye care routine that works for you.

Can your vision go back to 20/20?

Your vision may be able to return to 20/20 with the help of glasses, contacts, LASIK, tailored eye treatments from your doctor, and other corrective measures. But your visual prognosis largely depends on your individual case.

What is the 20-20-20 rule?

The 20-20-20 rule is one of the top screen fatigue remedies. It gives your eyes a break now and again while using screen-bearing devices. Every 20 minutes, you should take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. It can help to prevent eyestrain. Blue light protection glasses can also be very helpful.

Sources

Botanical Compounds: Effects on Major Eye Diseases

Herbal Supplement in a Buffer for Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment

Bilberry Extract and Vision

12 Possible Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba, Plus Side Effects and Dosage

Rhodopsin

Retinal Inflammatory Disease

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba extract increases ocular blood flow velocity

How a turmeric compound could treat glaucoma

Effect of Green Tea and Tea Catechin on the Visual Motion Processing for Optokinetic Responses in Mice

Short-term Outcomes of Saffron Supplementation in Patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial

How can saffron help macular degeneration?

How to Use Tea Bags for the Eyes

Fennel: Your Home’s Healing Herb – Remedies That Work

7 Health Benefits and Uses of Anise Seed

What is Fennel? Nutrition and Benefits

Therapeutic Uses of Triphala in Ayurvedic Medicine

What You Should Know about Eye Drops

Drug Interaction Checker

Lutein – Uses, Side Effects, And More

Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Vision

Is Zinc Good for Vision?

20/20/20 Rule to prevent digital eye strain