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Long hours staring at a computer screen, reading, writing, doing beadwork, sewing, tying flies, repairing electronics equipment, or any close and detailed work can lead to eye strain from overuse. Soreness of the muscles around the eyeballs, weak or blurry vision, burning, watering, and oversensitivity to light are common symptoms. Discomfort from minor eye irritations (from smoke, pollutants, smog, or pollens), slight abrasions (from contact lenses, sand, or dirt), or bruising injuries can also often be relieved with homeopathy. If any eye has undergone a traumatic injury, or if any symptoms are unusual or distressing, see a physician right away.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Aconitum napellus: This remedy may bring relief when foreign matter gets into the eye and causes irritation. The person feels fearful and agitated — with eye pain, heavy watering, and heightened sensitivity to light.
Apis mellifica: This remedy can be helpful if the eyelids and surrounding areas get very puffy and tender, with burning or stinging pain that cold applications partially relieve. Apis can also be useful after overexposure to very bright light (looking at snow in bright sunlight or sun reflecting off the water for long periods, driving into the sun, etc.) when the eyes feel sore and oversensitive.
Argentum nitricum: Aching from overuse or detailed work, relieved by closing the eyes or pressing on them, suggests a need for this remedy. The muscles around the eyes feel weak and the person is unable to keep them focused and steady. The whites or corners often look inflamed. Being in an overheated room may aggravate the symptoms.
Arnica: This remedy can bring relief to a person with a bruised, sore feeling in the eyes after closely-focused work or from looking into the distance (sightseeing, watching movies, etc. ) The person may feel a need to keep the eyes open, getting dizzy when closing them.
Kali phosphoricum: This remedy can be helpful when exhaustion from illness, overwork, or stress has led to eyestrain. The eyes feel very tired and the vision seems blurred and weak. A person who needs this remedy often startles easily and is oversensitive to light.
Kalmia latifolia: Great stiffness felt in the eyes and eyelids, worse when moving the eyes, suggests a need for this remedy. The vision may seem to be impaired or weak. A person who needs this remedy may also have nerve pains in the face and teeth, or joint and muscle stiffness that shifts from place to place.
Natrum muriaticum: This remedy may be useful if extended periods of reading or doing schoolwork have led to a weak, bruised feeling in the eyes. The muscles around the eyeballs can feel weak and stiff, and the letters on a page may appear to run together. The eyelids feel heavy, and the person may be inclined toward headaches.
Ruta graveolens: This remedy is often indicated for eyestrain caused by overuse. Stiffness and pain can lead to headaches, and soreness and pressure are felt behind the eyeballs. The eyes may become inflamed and swollen, with heavy watering and oversensitivity to light. The person may also have problems with focusing the eyes or accommodating to changes in brightness.
Symphytum: This is an important remedy when the eyeball has been bruised or injured by a blow from a blunt object (for example a tool-handle, baseball, or rock). Injuries to the eyeball can be serious, and should always be examined by a doctor.
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.
Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
