Natural Cures Guide

For most of us, vision is the most important sense. Much of the information we receive about the world around us passes to our brains through our eyes.
Because our eyes are in use most of our waking hours, they naturally get tired. But eyestrain tends to be ignored because of the seriousness of other eye diseases, and perhaps because we assume we can’t do anything about it.
Although eyestrain doesn’t permanently damage our vision , it does cause headaches, pain, blurry vision, difficulty focusing, and in extreme cases dizziness, nausea, twitching of the facial muscles, and migraines.
Eyestrain can have a number of causes other than simple overuse: a strain or weakness in the ciliary or eye muscles, improper lighting, or overall tension or anxiety. Overuse can occur whether our focus is close (computer screens, for example) or far (driving long distances). But a constant close focus tends to cause more eyestrain.
There is no scientific proof that herbs help to treat eyestrain–and don’t look for any in the near future. Because it’s such a temporary problem, the search for cures has taken a back seat to finding treatments for more serious eye problems such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Nevertheless, many herbs have a history of use in soothing the irritation associated with eyestrain. The most common way of using herbs is as a compress. (For instructions on how to prepare one, see “Herbal How-To’s for Eyestrain”.)

HERBAL REMEDIES

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

This herb has a tradition of use for a variety of eye troubles, specifically watery eyes. Eyebright is both anti-inflammatory and astringent; it helps relieve both swelling and irritation. Typical dosage: drink 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or strain and cool the tea to apply in a compress as needed.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

The berries of this shrub are respected in many cultures as a treatment for the eyes and a boost to vision. The anthocyanosides in bilberry fruit can strengthen capillaries, which may relieve the bloodshot appearance of strained eyes. Although bilberry gets more attention, the more common blueberry, cranberry, and huckleberry contain similar compounds. Their possible eye benefits give you a great excuse to include the regularly in your diet. Typical dosage: 2 or 3 standardized capsules or tablets per day.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

The astringent can be used for tired, irritated, and itching eyes. Goldenseal contains berberine, which constricts the blood vessels, helping to decrease the bloodshot appearance of strained eyes. It also has slight anesthetic properties, which can relieve pain. Other berberine-containing herbs that would be just as effective include barberry (Berberis vulgaris)and Oregon graperoot (Berberis aquifloium). Use any of these herbs in a compress as needed.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

The bark of the witch hazel tree is widely used to relieve body aches and pains. An infusion of the bark contains astringent tannins that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Although the majority of the commercial witch hazel products are clear-colored and do not contain tannis, they usually are soothing and refreshing. At one time, the American Medical Association listed witch hazel as a treatment for eye inflammations. You can use witch hazel alone in a compress or combine it with an infusion of the other herbs in this chapter.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

This anti-inflammatory herb is often used for symptoms associated with tension. Its anti-spasmodic and soothing qualities would work well for eyestrain, and it has a history of use in treating conjunctivitis. Chamomile can relieve pain and swelling as well as act as a mild sedative. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea taken internally as needed (steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or use in a compress as needed. Caution: Those allergic to ragweed may be allergic to chamomile.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Sometimes called pot marigold, this plant produces a yellow flower traditionally used to soothe watery and irritated eyes. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea taken internally up to three times per day (steep 1 heaping teaspoon of dried flowers in one cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or use the tea in a compress as needed.

HERBAL HOW-TO’S FOR EYESTRAIN

One of the best ways to use herbs for eyestrain is in a compress. Because eyestrain usually involves irritation and inflammation of the eyes, a compress both soothes and cools. Plus, a compress is safer than an eyewash, because an eyewash risks introducing bacteria that may cause infection.
Whichever herb you choose, make a strong tea or infusion (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 20 minutes). Use the tea to dampen a soft cloth, put the cloth over you eyelids, and lean back with your eyes closed for at least 10 minutes.
To pamper sore eyes even more, follow the herbal compress by applying a couple of cold cucumber slices to your eyelids.

MONITOR THAT COMPUTER SCREEN

Although modern computer screens do not emit enough radiation to harm the eyes, they do cause significant eyestrain. How can you tell? If you see black-and-white objects tinged with color after working on the computer, you’ve probably been working too long.
You can help decrease computer-related eyestrain by adjusting the arrangement of your workstation. Most people tend to have their computer screens too low, which causes shoulder and back strain in addition to eyestrain. The top of your screen should be at eye level. The distance between your eyes and the screen should be about arm’s-length, or 20 to 28 inches. Keep in mind that if you wear trifocals, bifocals, or reading glasses, they may need to be changed to compensate for this positioning.
Minimize glare on your screen by adjusting the lighting in the room or adding a glare filter to the screen itself. Another way to reduce glare is to decrease the amount of white paper on the desk surrounding the computer. Remember to wipe dust off the screen periodically to make it easier to see. Also, make sure the screen is properly focused to reduce straining.
Because you tend to blink less often while your eyes are fixed, it is important to consciously remind yourself to blink frequently or to periodically close your eyes for a few seconds while at the computer. This bathes the eyes in fluid and keeps them from drying out. Finally, remember to take mini-breaks every hour or so, and to change your body position after them. That helps your back, too.

PUSHUPS FOR YOUR EYES

Since a fixed gaze causes most eyestrain, the best way to avoid such strain is to do eye exercises. Industrial hygienist George Wahi suggests taking frequent mini-breaks from your workstation.
* Every 10 minutes: Simply look away from the computer screen at something at least 20 feet away.
* Every hour: Do additional eye exercises and stand up to move your neck and shoulders. Repeatedly
change your focus from a near point to a far point. If you are able to see mountains, trees, or any other
variable-height horizon, trace the outline with your eyes. If you are without a window, at minimum trace
the corners of the room with your eyes. Then, without moving your head, look far to the right and far to
the left, up to the ceiling and down to the floor.

Reading can also cause significant eyestrain, so if you read a lot, remember to use these exercise.