Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for supporting and treating various eye conditions such as conjunctivitis, eye irritation, and inflammation. Its use dates back to the Middle Ages, and it was often included in folk remedies and referenced in herbals for its supposed benefits to eye health. The name "eyebright" itself reflects its historical association with eye ailments, and preparations (such as teas, washes, or compresses) were commonly recommended by herbalists.

However, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of eyebright for eye problems is limited and of poor quality. Modern clinical trials are lacking or inconclusive, and reviews of the literature (including those by reputable sources such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) indicate that there is not enough reliable evidence to confirm any benefit for ocular health. Most of the support for using eyebright is based on anecdotal reports, traditional practices, and historical usage rather than rigorous scientific validation. As a result, mainstream medicine does not recommend eyebright for treating eye conditions, due to both insufficient evidence of efficacy and potential safety concerns related to non-sterile preparations.