People who use herbal supplements such as Tribulus terrestris may not know the effects these products may have on their body. As a result, when a problem occurs, such as with your optic nerve, you may not know if Tribulus terrestris played a role in the condition. Tribulus does not have any known effect on the optic nerve or other eye functions, but knowing possible causes of the problem may help you talk to your doctor about your condition.
Optic Nerve Function
The optic nerve sits at the back of your eye, gathering visual information that the nerve will send off to your brain. Tribulus terrestris does not cause optic nerve problems, nor does the herb help conditions involving the nerve. Other eye problems may affect your optic nerve, resulting in vision changes and possibly blindness.
Research
Although Tribulus terrestris does not have a known connection to the optic nerve, in theory this supplement could have an effect your eyes and optic nerve. As of 2011, researchers have not thoroughly evaluated the supplement, and this lack of research could hide side effects involving the optic nerve and other eye-related side effects.
Tribulus terrestris does not have known side effects, but this may stem from the lack of research in evaluating possible complications. Researchers do know, however, that T. terrestris could affect the hormone levels in your body, and pregnant or nursing women should not use this supplement for any reason.
Possible Causes
A number of conditions may affect your optic nerve. If you have a high intraocular pressure, this may gradually damage the nerve and result in vision loss. Optic neuritis occurs when you have inflammation in the nerve. Health conditions such as strokes, tumors and multiple sclerosis may also damage the optic nerve, and in many cases this may lead to permanent changes in your vision. T. terrestris does not have any known connection to problems that may damage the nerve.
Considerations
If you experience changes in your vision, contact your eye doctor immediately. She will test your vision and examine your eyes, including your optic nerve, to determine the cause of your vision problems. You may need additional testing to monitor the function and any changes in your nerve. Based on the results of the examination and testing, your eye doctor will determine necessary treatment.
