Herbal Remedies For Vision

Your eyes are complex sensory organs that require more than 25 percent of the oxygen and nutrients you take in to function normally. Without specific vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, your eyes are susceptible to infections, reduced acuity and diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. In addition to regular eye exams from health professionals, herbal remedies are available to help maintain healthy eyes and clear vision. Consult your physician before taking herbal remedies for vision.

Bilberry

Bilberry, a relative of the blueberry, reduces eye fatigue, repairs damaged cells and improves visual acuity. Bilberry contains vitamins A and C, as well as anthocyanosides, which act to strengthen blood vessels within your eye and reduce inflammation, according to "Medical Herbalism."

A relatively common herbal remedy in Europe, Bilberry is used to treat degenerative retinal disorders such as macular degeneration, progressive myopia, glaucoma and cataracts. It is a strong antioxidant that helps protect your retina by generating rhodopsin, an essential pigment required for night vision.

Parsley

Parsley contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, a pre-cursor to vitamin A, but an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is a carotenoid found within the macula lutea, the central part of the retina responsible for clear vision. Lutein works in conjunction with zeaxanthin, an antioxidant. A 2004 study published in the journal "Optometry" found that visual function significantly improved in patients with macular degeneration with lutein supplementation. Lutein may reduce the risk of cataracts and act as a filter against light damage.

Cassia Seed

Cassia seed, usually prepared as a tea, is an ancient Chinese remedy used to promote clear vision. According to "The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional and Mental Health," Cassia seed may treat blurry vision, eye pain and discomfort, swelling, itchiness, redness and light sensitivity.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is not only a strong antioxidant, but also a good vasodilator that can increase blood flow to the brain and eyes. The back of the brain, called the occipital lobe, is where visual images are processed. Ginkgo biloba helps promote healthy blood flow to the occipital lobe and the various oxygen sensitive regions of the eye. Ginkgo biloba also contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which can be protective against some retinal problems.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract, derived from red grapes and rich in compounds called procyanins, boosts the effectiveness of antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge and eliminate free radicals, known to cause degenerative damage in the body, including the eyes. Grape seed extract impacts even the smallest blood vessels that are important for safeguarding blood circulation to the eyes and preventing macular degeneration. In a 2002 Japanese study, procyanins were found to prevent the development of experimentally induced cataracts in rats.

Turmeric

Turmeric, found in curry powder, contains vitamins A, C and E. It features powerful antioxidant and cholesterol-reducing properties that protect and unclog the small blood vessels that supply the eyes. Curcumin, a yellow pigment within turmeric, reduced the incidence of cataracts in animal studies, as cited in "Medical Herbalism."