Pain and soreness in your eyes may stem from a number of causes. Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common cause, but other conditions, such as iritis, eye inflammation in the iris, may also cause your eye to appear red and feel sore. Certain herbs may help relieve your symptoms. If you plan to use herbal remedies for eye discomfort, talk with your doctor about the options for treatment.
Examination
Your doctor will need to examine your eyes to determine the source of your eye symptoms. She may need to dilate your pupils so that she can examine inside your eye, particularly if your symptoms of soreness seem to occur inside your eye. To dilate your pupils, your doctor will put an eye drop into your eyes. After a few minutes, your pupils will grow large, allowing your doctor a better look into the back of your eye. The doctor will use a special microscope, called a slit lamp, designed specifically for examining the front and back of your eyes. However, if soreness and other symptoms occur on the front surface of your eyes, such as with pink eye, your doctor may not need to dilate your pupils. Once your doctor knows the cause for your sore eyes, you can discuss treatment options, including herbs that may help relieve your symptoms.
Kudzu
Kudzu is a plant commonly found in the southeastern part of the United States, though it is native to Japan. Many consider this vine a weed since it spreads rapidly and takes over tree growth, explains Virginia Tech. The chemical components of kudzu may help relieve eye pain, and since this plant also has anti-inflammatory properties, kudzu could help reduce inflammation of iritis and other inflammatory conditions of your eye. If your doctor believes kudzu may help your discomfort, he will help you determine how much to use and when to stop taking this herbal supplement.
Eyebright
Eyebright, also referred to as euphrasia, is a plant that produces small white flowers. Many people use the herbal extract for a number of eye conditions, such as inflammation, styes and tired eyes. Eyebright will not treat the cause of these conditions, but could have some benefits in reducing the severity of the symptoms. If you and your doctor think eyebright could offer some benefits for soreness, your doctor will tell you how much eyebright to use each day.
Considerations
If you have sore eyes and want to use herbal remedies to relieve your symptoms, talk with your doctor. She can help you determine the best herb for your symptoms and the cause of your condition. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Symptoms that do not improve, particularly after taking an herbal remedy for a period of time, may require additional treatment, such as the use of a prescription eye drop.
Member Comments