Herbs & Eye Drops for Improved Vision
Loss of eyesight is one of the most common complaints about aging. Almost everyone over the age of 40 will experience some degree of vision loss. For people who don’t have cataracts, misshapen eyes, nearsightedness or farsightedness, or some other medical condition that weakens their vision, this loss of sharpness is usually due to strain on the eye muscles or a lack of blood flow to the retinas. You should talk to your doctor before beginning any herbal remedies.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Free Radical and Poor Circulation Prevention
Herbs with antioxidant properties will help prevent free-radical damage while strengthening the capillaries around our eyes. Bilberry is commonly used for this purpose; additionally, it can help our eyes adapt to darkness. Ginko biloba improves circulation by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the eyes in addition to fighting free radicals. Aspalathus, an herb native to South Africa, has similar antioxidant effects and can also improve general eye health and immune function.
- Herbs with antioxidant properties will help prevent free-radical damage while strengthening the capillaries around our eyes.
- Ginko biloba improves circulation by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to the eyes in addition to fighting free radicals.
Eye Strain, Dry Eye and Pink Eye Prevention
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Vision complaints due to tired or dry eyes can usually be remedied by relaxing the eyes. Passionflower is especially helpful for eyestrain because it relaxes the capillaries around the eyeball and soothes the eyes. It’s also used to treat insomnia and nervousness. Goldenseal is an antibacterial herb used to treat conjunctivitis, or pink eye. It also reduces inflammation and soothes dry eyes.
- Vision complaints due to tired or dry eyes can usually be remedied by relaxing the eyes.
- Passionflower is especially helpful for eyestrain because it relaxes the capillaries around the eyeball and soothes the eyes.
UV Damage Prevention
Mahonia grape extract is frequently used to protect the eyes against the sun damage caused by UV rays. Additionally, it strengthens the capillaries around the eyes, slows eye aging, and improves overall eye health 1.
Eye Drops to Improve Vision
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Eye drops, like herbs, can only improve vision loss due to aging, eye strain or dryness, infection or other temporary medical problems. There are different types of eye drops designed to treat the symptoms of allergies, one of which is blurry vision. Non-prescription eye drops, sometimes known as artificial tears, can provide relief from irritation, dryness or tiredness. A variety of steroid drops are used to treat more serious eye conditions that can cause temporary vision loss. Some eye drops fight infection.
- Eye drops, like herbs, can only improve vision loss due to aging, eye strain or dryness, infection or other temporary medical problems.
Where to Get Eye Drops and Herbs
Non-prescription eye drops can be purchased at almost any drug store or grocery store. Most other eye drops require a prescription from your doctor. Herbs can be purchased at most health food stores or holistic supply stores. You should consult your doctor before beginning an herbal remedy.
- Non-prescription eye drops can be purchased at almost any drug store or grocery store.
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References
- Herbal Supplements Guide: How to Improve Eyesight Naturally
- Eye Care America: Eyedrops
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Dry Eye? 2019.
- Ehrhart IC, Parker PE, Weidner WJ, Dabney JM, Scott JB, Haddy FJ. Coronary vascular and myocardial responses to carotid body stimulation in the dog. Am J Physiol. 1975;229(3):754-60. DOI: 10.1155/2017/4675401
- Greiner KL, Walline JJ. Dry Eye in Pediatric Contact Lens Wearers. Eye Contact Lens. 2010;36(6):352-355. doi:10.1097/ICL.0b013e3181f8bc25
- American Optometric Association. Dry Eye.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dry Eye Diagnosis and Treatment. 2020.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Punctal Plugs. 2020.
- de Araujo DD, Silva DVA, Rodrigues CAO, Silva PO, Macieira TGR, Chianca TCM.Effectiveness of Nursing Interventions to Prevent Dry Eye in Critically Ill Patients.Am J Crit Care. 2019 Jul;28(4):299-306. doi: 10.4037/ajcc2019360.
- Rabina G, Boguslavsky II, Mimouni M, Kaiserman I.The Association between Preoperative Dry Eye Symptoms and Postoperative Discomfort in Patients Underwent Photorefractive Keratectomy.J Ophthalmol. 2019 Feb 18;2019:7029858. doi: 10.1155/2019/7029858. eCollection 2019.
Writer Bio
Katie Regan has worked at a handful of daily and weekly newspapers as a general assignment, city beat, and health and science reporter, and has won numerous awards for her writing. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.