Homeopathic remedies for Eye Problems

Your eyes are vital and precious organs; vision is the most valued sense for most of us. Conjunctivitis, styes and eyestrain respond well to homeopathic remedies. When the eye is hit by something, homeopathy is an effective rescue response. Visit a doctor for complications. To follow, find several useful remedies for the common problems above.

Homeopathy for specific eye problems:

For Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (see-through covering of eye itself) caused by infection or allergy, though very uncomfortable, is usually not serious. You may wake with a yellow, sticky discharge or feel a grittiness. There is a sensitivity to light. The eye (sometimes the lids) may become red. Allium cepa

For an inflammation or infection in the eye, Aconite is the best remedy. Pain is severe and often comes on suddenly. The eye feels hot, dry and gritty.

Argentum nit. Copious discharge, photophobia, swelling, redness, ulceration. Worse in warm rooms; better for cold applications. Usually caused by a virus.

Euphrasia When there is scant discharge and it is acrid and watery, Euphrasia is a top remedy. Cutting pains, gritty sensation. Less red, inflamed that what other remedies address. Worse for wind and light and often accompanied by chills and fever. Bathe the eyes with Euphrasia (10 drops of mother tincture plus 1 level tsp of sea salt in 1/4 litre filtered warm water) three or four times daily.

Apis treats red swollen eyelids that burn and sting. The eyes are often bloodshot. A cold cloth eases discomfort.

For Styes at early stages:

A stye is a red tender bump/inflamed swelling on the eyelid, usually caused by bacterial infection of the gland at the base of an eyelash. This can be inside or outside the lid itself. With warm compresses (3 x day – see Euphrasia) a stye will often go away of its own accord after a few days or a week.  Remedies speed healing:

In the first stage of a stye, before it has even formed, Ferrum phos addresses a red, swollen tender eyelid. It often halts the formation of pus.

Pulsatilla This is my top choice. If you’ve been eating fatty foods (butter, cream, pastries) and a stye is forming, this remedy is best. Often there’s green-yellow sticky discharge. The stye may be on the left eyelid.

Give Staphysagria if Pulsatilla does not work.

For Blepharitis

Crusty, red edges of the eyelids often related to dandruff is known as Blepharitis: Take one of the following remedies four times a day for up to two weeks.

Graphites for intolerance of artificial light. Eyelid reds, swollen, dry, perhaps with eczema.

Hepar sulphur eyelids red, gummy

Calcarea itchiness

Sulphur sore burning lids. Tiny ulcers, worse by bathing eyes in water.
For a Blow to the eye – Seek medical help and take Arnica or Rhus tox enroute to address the condition:

Arnica at the first sign of inflammation to address damage to soft tissue or eye socket, shock, bruising and pain. For a black eye, this is the first remedy. If no improvement try Ledum (better for cold applications). If in great pain, take Hypericum.

Rhus tox after an operation where there is inflammation

For Eyestrain

Take one of the following two remedies:

Ruta grav for burning red eyes, strained after close work or reading. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo brewed a tisane from rue leaves, then drank it or used it as an eyewash.

Arnica muscles (ciliary) tired from looking into the distance for a length of time

Have a look at supplements for eye health in a separate article: ‘Beauty is in the Eye’