Eye Problems

Eye problems can be divided into problems affecting the eye itself or problems affecting the surrounding structures like the eyelids.

The most common eye problem is conjunctivitis and is defined as swelling and redness of the conjunctivae (the membrane covering the white part of the eye extending to the eyelids).

This is commonly caused by bacterial and viral infections but may also be attributed to allergic reactions. Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotic eye drops may be needed.

Another eye problem is keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections resulting from predisposing conditions like trauma or foreign bodies.

This is quite serious because the cornea is part of the optical apparatus of the eye and any condition affecting it causes blurring of vision, severe eye pain, redness, tearing, and discomfort.

Any condition affecting the cornea warrants immediate medical attention because it can lead to blindness.

Eyelid glands can also become infected and cause severe pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected area. Inflammation of these glands are called hordeolums or more commonly known as a "stye".

Hordeolums are small abscesses in the eyelid and can either be located externally or internally.

External hordeolums are found on the eyelids, can easily be visualized and cause minimal pain and discomfort.

Internal hordeolums are much more painful and hard to visualize because the swelling is underneath the eyelid and impinging on the surface of the eyeball.

Natural Cures for Eye Problems:

Below we've listed several natural cures for eye problems.

Lid Scrub:

This is a home remedy for styes and involves cleaning of the edge of the affected eyelid.

Dissolve a small amount of shampoo in a cup of water and use to scrub the edge of the affected eyelid.

Do this 2-3 times a day.

Hordeolums occur because of blockage of glandular ducts, much like a pimple. Regular scrubbing of the edge of the eyelid can clear that blockage and allow drainage of the abscess.

If the hordeolum doesn’t clear and is getting worse, consult a physician.

Excessive tearing can be attributed to nasolacrimal duct obstruction, or blockage of the duct that drains the tears from the eye into the nasal passages.

You can visualize the nasolacrimal duct near the angle of the eye towards your nose on the lower lid. It is a small opening (puncta) of a duct leading to your nose and is mainly responsible for giving you a runny nose when you are crying.

There are several causes for nasolacrimal duct obstruction and some cases may require antibiotics and medical attention.

Warm Compress:

Applying a warm compress or a freshly used tea bag several times a day below the affected eye, close to the nose, is a natural cure for some cases of obstruction and the warmth from the tea bag can clear this blockage and allow the drainage of tears.

One of the most dangerous eye problems to encounter is chemical or noxious substance irritation of the eyes. This is an ophthalmologic emergency and needs immediate medical attention.

Flushing with Cool Running Water:

In the event of chemical irritation of the eyes, the immediate home remedy to do is flush the affected eye with cool running water.

This may flush out the offending chemical or substance and limit the damage to your eyes.

Never flush with anything else or try to neutralize the substance with another chemical.

Running water is the best home remedy for this situation and will buy you valuable time until a medical facility is reached.