Dry eyes - dry eyes

Dry eyes are a common problem. The dry eye is caused by the lack of wetting of the eye (for example, by a secretion disorder) and is especially perceived as unpleasant rubbing. For the symptom many causes can be responsible, for example conjunctivitis or hormonal changes are possible. Not least because the irritation can permanently lead to eye inflammation, the dryness should be counteracted. Especially from the fund of experience and naturopathy there are a variety of options available.

contents

• Dry eye and concomitant symptoms
• Possible causes of dry eyes
• Treatment of dry eyes
• Natural healing for external use
• Home remedies for dry eye for internal use
• Help through Chinese medicine and osteopathy
• Tips to avoid dry eyes

Dry eye and concomitant symptoms

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

In dry eyes, it usually feels like you have a foreign body or a grain of sand in the eye. (Image: Antonioguillem / fotolia.com)

Especially in the morning after waking up, the eyes are dry and difficult to open. Usually both eyes are affected, but it can also lead to one-sided dry eyes. If left untreated, dryness may result in conjunctivitis (sicca conjunctivitis) or corneal inflammation.

Possible causes of dry eyes

There are numerous causes of eye dryness. As a symptom of conjunctivitis and rheumatism or as a side effect of drugs (e.g., "pill") and lack of sleep, it is very common.

In many cases, the problem also exists in women after menopause, because in the context of hormonal changes, a reduced function of the lacrimal glands can adjust. Too long wearing times of low oxygen permeable and low water content contact lenses, which are also poorly seated, may also promote 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 include age-related tear deficiency and a vitamin A deficiency, which is caused by, among other things, liver dysfunction.

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

If you watch TV for a long time or work or play on the screen, the eye blinking frequency may be delayed, resulting in dry eyes (so-called Office Eye Syndrome or Gamer Eye). Furthermore, too low a fluid intake as a cause into consideration. This could be caused by bottlenecks for the vessels or for the supplying nerves.

Unilateral eye dryness is less common and is usually due to drafts, unilateral conjunctivitis, or lack of eyelid closure, such as paralysis of the eyelid.

Eye drops are a way to prevent dry eyes, but Natuheilkunde knows many other treatments. (Image: Aleksandr Kurganov / fotolia.com)

Treatment of dry eyes

In conventional medicine, artificial tears are usually used for local wetting to relieve symptoms. Naturopathy, however, has numerous non-pharmacological measures available to counteract the dry eye through internal applications. Behind this is the assumption that the eyes are also connected to the whole organism.

Danger: For inflammatory processes, suspected rheumatism, liver disorders or other organic diseases, a medical examination should be made.

Natural healing for external use

Externally, according to Ayurvedic experience aloe vera gel and rose water can provide the eyes with cooling and hydration. Refreshment in tired and sensitive eyes is provided by a cornflower and stone clover print.

Refreshment pad for the eyes: 300 ml of distilled water or spring water 10 g cornflowers 10 g of clover 20 g ribwort plantain Bring the water to a boil and add the herbs. Allow the infusion to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain through a sieve or cloth and wait for the liquid to cool. Now two cotton pads are soaked with the broth, drained a little and placed on the closed eyes. The leftover liquid can be stored well in a sterile, sealable bottle.

A rinse with parsley can have a beneficial effect on dry eyes. (Image: mrtshnstock / fotolia.com)

If dryness occurs as a result of eyestrain (for example, after a long day's work in front of the PC monitor), parsley rinsing can relieve discomfort. Because the 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 Thoroughly wash a handful of fresh parsley under running water Now the herb is brewed with the boiling water Let the infusion draw for a few hours and then carefully filter it off Fill the eye bath with the broth With the head bent forward, hold the container firmly against the eye and then gently tilt the head backwards Open the eye and rinse it by slowly moving the head back and forth If necessary, the application can be repeated several times a day

A proven home remedy for conjunctivitis, tired eyes or e.g. in inflammation of the eyelid (barley grain) is a condition with eyebright (Euphrasia). The plant has an analgesic, cleansing and anti-inflammatory action, especially on the eye, and has therefore been valued for centuries as a natural remedy for eye problems and injuries.

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

Pads with Euphrasia are considered a proven home remedy for eye complaints. (Image: vladimirfloyd / fotolia.com)

Home remedies for dry eye for internal use

Licorice is recommended for internal use, as it is intended to moisturize and cool (attention to hypertension!).

A tea with the proven ophthalmopathic Euphrasia supports the clearing of the eyes from the inside.

Recipe for eyebright tea: Put one tablespoon of dried or two tablespoons of fresh eyebright herb in a jug Pour half a liter of boiling water over it Allow the infusion to strain for 10 minutes before straining Drink three cups of the tea throughout the day

Help through Chinese medicine and osteopathy

The Chinese medicine works with eye complaints with medicinal herbs, which among other things a reference to the liver meridian is awarded. The treatment of acupuncture points on this meridian should continue to compensate for the underlying energy weaknesses.

From the mechanical point of view of naturopathic manual treatment forms such as osteopathy, and especially craniosacral osteopathy, an attempt is made to clear the inflow pathways for all vessels in a functional problem with mechanical pressure or tension.

Tips to avoid dry eyes

People who are constantly sitting in front of the screen should periodically focus their gaze on another target for a moment or close their eyelids for a few seconds in the meantime. The eyes should always get fresh air, especially for longer stays in heated or air-conditioned rooms.

Contact lens wearers can alleviate the discomfort by placing a break (preferably) in the middle of the day. In any case, enough water should be drunk to avoid internal dehydration. (Non-medical practitioner Jeanette Viñals Stein, Nina Reese, last updated on 26.1.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)