Fagopyrum, commonly known as buckwheat, has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. Its aerial parts and seeds have been used to support vascular health due to their high content of rutin, a flavonoid known for strengthening capillaries and improving microcirculation. This connection to vascular health is the main reason buckwheat has occasionally been recommended in traditional systems for eye support, since the health of retinal blood vessels is important for overall eye function. However, direct traditional references to Fagopyrum being used specifically for eye disorders are limited and often indirect, stemming from its general vascular benefits rather than targeted ocular indications.

Scientific studies on buckwheat's effects are largely focused on its antioxidant and vascular properties, with rutin being shown to reduce capillary fragility and permeability in some clinical and animal studies. However, controlled clinical trials specifically investigating Fagopyrum or rutin for eye health or visual function are lacking. Thus, while its traditional use for supporting the eyes is rooted in its vascular-supporting properties, there is very limited direct historical precedence and insufficient scientific evidence to justify its explicit application for eye health.