The eyes are the windows to the soul, and sight is one of our most valued senses, however sometimes we take it for granted until we begin to lose our prefect vision. Most often it is some type of malnourishment that causes our eyes to loose focus.

Sometimes it is a symptoms of another progressive disease. But for the common eyesight degeneration, I have seen people reclaim their good vision several months after incorporating an herbal program to their life. I have also seen people who have worked on their core problem with herbs improve their eyesight as a side effect of taking herbs and supplements.

You can use herbs to tone the eye muscle, relieve and nourish stressed or irritated eyes, and bring circulation to the eyes. All this can help restore better vision and increase the general health of your eyes.

Appropriately named, eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is an herb used to nourish, cleanse, tone, and strengthen the eyes. Eyebright has been used internally and externally for eye problems of all shorts. For better vision take internally. Eyebright usually comes in capsules and is many times found with other astringent herbs.

Its antibacterial effects make it an excellent tea to be used as an eyewash for conjunctivitis (pink eye) or sore, irritated, or itchy eyes. To use eyebright as an external eyewash, you have two options. If you have the herb in a capsules, empty one capsule per cup of water (one cup at a time should be more than sufficient).

If you are using the herb in bulk form, four heaping teaspoons equals about one capsules of powder. Then follow these steps:

1. Put herb in a cup of water, and bring to a boil.
2. Boil 10 minutes.
3. Let cool, and strain mixture well. (That's better than a sharp stick in the eye!)
4. Use a glass dropper to administer to eyes as needed. Do not touch the glass dropper to the eye, however; this will contaminate the mixture with the dropper, unless you sterilize first.
5. Store the mixture in a glass container in the refrigerator. Do not keep mixture longer than three to four days.

Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a potent herbal antioxidant source. Its ability to neutralize free radicals in the brain and the eyes makes it a powerful protector for the eyes. The part used historically is the fruit, sometimes also called huckleberry or blueberry.

British pilots during World War II used bilberry to improve their vision for night flying. Some reported improve vision within two weeks of using bilberry, and long term use of this safe herb will prove most beneficial. Bilberry's ability to strengthen blood capillaries also makes it an excellent tonic for people who bruise easily.

Bilberry used with eyebright and beta carotene makes a powerful combination to nourish and protect the eyes and to strengthen vision. It also works well for light-sensitive individuals. Bilberry is also used for diabetes, diarrhea, and mild inflammation.

Zinc and vitamins E, A, and C all work well to protect our vision and are all contained in eyebright and bilberry. Another practice you can choose to help tone the eyes is a cold water splash every morning and each night. Simply fill your sink with some cold water, cup the water in your hands, and splash your eyes.

The cold will help muscle retract, will tighten capillaries, and will tone your eyes. Many find this very refreshing and strengthening to their eyes. When poor eyesight is caused by a lack nutrients, herbs can restore eyesight safely and sometimes very quickly.