The use of Tamarix species (commonly known as tamarisk or salt cedar) for treating eye infections is primarily justified by traditional medicine rather than by modern scientific evidence. Historical records indicate that various parts of the Tamarix plant, including leaves, galls, and extracts, have been used in traditional medicine systems, such as Unani and Ayurveda, for their purported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, preparations made from Tamarix have been used as washes or poultices for eye ailments, including conjunctivitis and general eye irritation, in regions across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

However, scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of Tamarix for eye infections are sparse. While some laboratory research has demonstrated that extracts of Tamarix species possess antibacterial and antioxidant activity, these studies do not specifically address ocular pathogens or clinical outcomes in eye infections. There is a lack of published clinical trials or rigorous pharmacological investigations validating its safety or efficacy for this indication. As a result, the evidence supporting its use for eye infections remains largely anecdotal and rooted in traditional practices, with minimal scientific substantiation.

In summary, the application of Tamarix in treating eye infections is based on historical and ethnobotanical use, rather than robust contemporary scientific validation.