The cornea is your eye’s outer layer. It’s a smooth, clear film composed of cells and proteins that helps you focus, and protects your eyes from dust and germs. Your cornea can recuperate from infections and light scratches, but if the injury penetrates too deeply, scarring can result and you may need a corneal transplant. Herbs may help heal light injuries and irritations, and prevent corneal scarring. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbal remedies to prevent corneal scarring act by limiting the effects of germs and environmental irritants on the deeper layers of corneal tissue, where scarring can occur. Antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal herbs can help heal an infection before it causes corneal scarring. Anti-inflammatory herbs can reduce eye irritation from pollutants and allergies. Analgesic herbs also reduce inflammation and help your body heal itself. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs to prevent corneal scarring.
Eyebright
Eyebright, or Euphrasia officinalis, is a tiny annual herb with violet and yellow flowers. Herbalists use the aerial parts to treat eye problems, sinusitis, coughs and skin disorders. The active ingredients are iridoid glycosides, such as aucubin, catalpol and euphroside. These constituents may help prevent corneal scarring by inhibiting prostaglandins, which are compounds that produce inflammation. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, recommends eyebright tea, tincture or compress for eye infections and chronic inflammations. Do not put alcohol tinctures in your eyes. Discontinue eyebright if your condition worsens.
Dusty Miller
Dusty miller, or Cinerarea maritima, is a perennial Mediterranean herb with tiny yellow button-like flowers. Traditional healers and homeopaths use it to treat eye strain, eye infection, cataracts and corneal opacities. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic Doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend it for early stage eye problems and for injuries to the cornea. If used immediately after injury, it may help prevent deep corneal scaring. Use this plant as an eye wash or eye drop only; do not ingest it, as it may cause liver problems.
Goldthread
Goldthread, or Coptis trifolia, is a perennial with white flowers native to North America. Healers use the rhizomes for mouth ulcers, eye infections, oral yeast infections and stomach problems. Native American groups used the tea as an eye wash. Naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli advise it for eye infections and inflammations. They note that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and can reduce eye pain and inflammation. You may prevent corneal scarring from infection or irritation by using goldthread as soon as your eyes become irritated or infected. Do not ingest this herb during pregnancy.
References
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffmann; 2003
- “Herbal Remedies”; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
Member Comments