Dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common problem. Dry eyes arise as a result of insufficient wetting of the eye (e.g. due to a secretion disorder) and is mainly perceived as uncomfortable rubbing. Many causes can be responsible for the symptom, for example conjunctivitis or hormonal changes. Not least because the irritation can permanently lead to eye inflammation , the dryness should be counteracted. A variety of options are available for this, especially from the fund of empirical and naturopathic medicine.

Dry eye and accompanying symptoms

Dry eyes are mainly perceived as rubbing and stinging, as a grain of sand or a foreign body sensation. Depending on the cause, the dry feeling in the eyes can be accompanied by burning, itching, reddening of the eyes and eye fatigue. In some cases, those affected also complain of flickering eyes , eye pain or a change in dryness and increased flow of tears.

Especially in the morning after waking up, the eyes are dry and difficult to open. Usually both eyes are affected, but one-sided dry eyes can also occur. Untreated, the dryness can by rubbing to an pink eye (conjunctivitis sicca) or corneal inflammation lead.

Possible causes of dry eyes

The causes of dry eyes are numerous. It appears very often as a symptom of conjunctivitis and rheumatism or as a side effect of medication (eg “pill”) and lack of sleep.

In many cases, however, the problem also exists in women after the menopause, because hormonal changes can lead to a reduced function of the lacrimal glands. Contact lenses with low oxygen permeability and low water content that are worn for too long and that also sit poorly can also cause a foreign body sensation in the eye and irritation.

Various environmental influences can cause dry eyes. These include dust, smoke, ozone, UV rays, dry heat in the sauna or heated rooms, air conditioning, wind, drafts and cosmetics. Other causes are age-related lack of tears and a vitamin A deficiency, which is caused, among other things, by liver dysfunction.

According to the experience of traditional Chinese medicine, eye complaints and diseases are always associated with disorders of the liver, while Indian medicine associates them with excessive (energetic) heat.

If you watch TV or work or play games for a long time, the blinking frequency can be delayed and your eyes dry (so-called office eye syndrome or gamer eye). In addition, insufficient fluid intake is a possible cause. This could be caused by bottlenecks in the blood vessels or the supplying nerves.

Unilateral dry eyes are less common and are usually caused by drafts, unilateral conjunctivitis, or poor eyelid closure, such as eyelid paralysis.

Treatment of dry eyes

In conventional medicine, artificial tear fluid is normally used for local wetting to alleviate the symptoms. The Naturopathy but maintains many non-drug measures ready to counteract the dry eye by internal applications. This is base on the assumptions that the eyes are also connected to the entire organism.

Attention: If there are inflammatory processes, suspected rheumatism, liver disorders or other organic diseases, a medical examination should be carried out.

Naturopathic treatment for external use

Externally, according to Ayurveda experiences, aloe vera gel and rose water can cool and moisturize the eyes. A layer of cornflowers and sweet clover provides refreshment for tired and sensitive eyes.

Refreshing pad for the eyes: 300 ml of distilled water or spring water 10 g cornflowers 10 g sweet clover 20 g ribwort Bring the waters to a boil and add the herbs. Let the infusion steep for 10 minutes, then strain it through a sieve or strainer and wait for the liquid to cool. Now two cotton wool pads are soaked in the brew, a little drained and placed on the closed eyes. The leftover liquid can be store in a sterile, sealable bottle.

If the feeling of dryness occurs as a result of eye strain (e.g. after a long day at work in front of the PC monitor), rinsing with parsley can alleviate the symptoms. Because the medicinal herb is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin - substances that are very important for eyesight and eye health. For the application you need a so-called eye bath, which is available in every pharmacy.

Parsley rinse against dry eyes: Bring about 750 ml of water to a boil Wash a handful of fresh parsley thoroughly under running water Now the herb is scalded with the boiling water Let the infusion steep for a few hours and then carefully filter it off Fill the eye bath with the brew With your head bent forward, hold the container tightly to your eye, and then gently tilt your head back Open the eye and rinse by slowly moving the head back and forth If necessary, the application can be repeated several times a day

A tried and tested home remedy for conjunctivitis , tired eyes or, for example, inflammation of the eyelids (stye) is an application with eyebright (euphrasia). The plant has a pain-relieving, cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect - especially on the eyes - and has therefore been valued as a natural remedy for problems and injuries in the area of ​​the eyes for centuries.

Eyebright compress: Put two teaspoons of eyebright herb in a saucepan Pour 250 ml of cold water over it Boil the whole thing up After two minutes of steeping, the infusion is carefully filtered Soak a cotton swab in the cooled brew and place it on the closed eye