Herbal Care For Dry Eyelids

Your eyelids are important. They protect your sensitive eyes from a variety of potential hazards, such as perspiration, bright light, wind, dust and other debris. The eyelids also keep tears and other fluids that keep the cornea moist from escaping. Sometimes, the eyelids can become dry. Simple herbal care for dry eyelids can often resolve the problem. However, since chronic dry eyelids can signal a more serious problem, see your doctor if symptoms do not improve.

Function

Your eyelids work around the clock to open and close whenever needed. In fact, you literally don't have to blink an eye yourself; your eyelids do this automatically when your levator palpebrae superioris is stimulated. This is the muscle nestled in the orbital socket that raises your upper eyelid. It's tempting to take this muscle for granted, but without it, your eyes would dry out while you're asleep or walking into a breeze, and you would likely get accidentally -- and frequently -- poked in the eye.

Even though your eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin on your body, they are made up of several layers, including subcutaneous tissue, membrane and specialized sebaceous glands that supply meibum, an oily material and basic component of tears. However, if these glands produce too much meibum in response to infection or topical allergy, for instance, dry scales can form on the lids and lashes.

Eyelid Disorders

According to Princeton University, difficulty opening the eyelids upon waking may be an indication of a highly contagious bacterial infection called conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. As the name implies, the conjunctiva is affected, the thin membrane that lines the eyelids. In response, the glands in the eyelids secrete a heavier-than-normal discharge in an attempt to cleanse the eyes. As this substance dries while you sleep, it forms a dry coating on the rims of the eyelids, making them feel dry and stuck shut.

According to the International Council of Ophthalmology, dry eyelids often occur from a variety of secondary ocular disorders stemming from HIV infection, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma and blepharitis.

Oregon Grape

According to PeaceHealth.org, Oregon grape may reduce inflammation, irritation and dryness of the eyelids due to bacterial infections like conjunctivitis or blepharitis. The herb contains berberine, an alkaloid that prevents bacteria from binding to human cells. The article also cites an early study published in "Phytomedicine," which found that compounds in whole Oregon grape extracts stimulated an increase in specialized white blood cells called macrophages. However, since berberine is poorly absorbed when taken orally, the use of a topical ointment containing 10 percent Oregon grape extract is suggested instead.

Eyebright

Eyebright is the traditional herb used to make topical preparations to treat various eye disorders, including those that produce dry eyelids due to seasonal allergies, bacterial infections and inflammation of the conjunctiva. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," eyebright contains several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory glycosides, such as apigenin and luteolin. To make an infusion of eyebright to use as eyewash, steep the leaf and flowers in boiling water for 20 minutes, then strain and cool.

Considerations

Since dry eyelids can indicate serious illness, seek medical help if symptoms continue. Check with your doctor before using any herbal supplements if you have a chronic condition or are taking medications. If an allergic reaction occurs from topical preparations, discontinue use and see your physician.