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The natural remedies for eye problems in this article cover various eye conditions that can develop (such as bulging, blood spots, dryness, double vision, itching, lumps on the eyelids, redness, twitching, watering, and dark circles). Specific eye problems need specialized attention. However, there are also general solutions to various eye conditions.
Top Natural Remedies for Eye Problems
The eyes and the brain utilize a lot of oxygen, which is why it is crucial to get enough.
Nutrition
- Consume plenty of celery, beet, carrot, and parsley juice. You may also need to go on a short fast of consuming nothing but vegetable juice.
- The mineral zinc (20 mg per day) is essential.
Ensure that the following is included in your diet:
- Vitamins A (500 IU)
- B complex, B1 (25 to 50 mg), B2 (25 to 50 mg), B6 (25 to 56 mg)
- Pantothenic acid (100 mg)
- Niacinamide (50 mg)
- Vitamin C (3000 to 5000 mg)
- Vitamin E (400 IU)
Selenium is also essential. Consume fresh greens every day. The importance of vitamin A and provitamin A- and B-carotene on eyesight cannot be overemphasized. Eat fresh green and yellow vegetables for the carotenoids.
- Drink lemon water instead of eating breakfast two days a week. According to Chinese healers, this purifies the liver and helps the eyes.
- For blurred vision, eat dried, unripe raspberries.
- Avoid overeating. Get plenty of rest and exercise.
Things to Avoid
- Inadequate nutrition clogs the arteries, such as those found in the eyes. A gradual clogging of the veins in the eyes can lead to blindness. The tiny vessels within the eye become blocked with atherosclerosis resulting from a diet high in fat and cholesterol.
- Avoid all fried foods. The free radicals in these greasy foods can damage the eyes and other organs. Abstain from refined grain products, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, dairy products, meat, and eggs.
- Do not drink fluids before bed. Avoid salt. Do not smoke tobacco, and try to avoid secondhand smoke. Caffeine, sugar, and nicotine all weaken the eyes.
- Vegetable shortening and margarine are not suitable for the eyes.
- Only use polarized sunglasses if you must use them at all because tinted sunglasses can cause eyestrain.
- Various medical drugs are particularly friendly to the eyes. These medications include:
| ATCH | Aspirin | Anticoagulants |
| Corticosteroids | Diuretics | Streptomycin |
| Sulfa drugs | Tetracycline | Allopurinol |
| Antihistamines | Digitalis | Haloperidol |
| Anti-infection drugs | Quinine | marijuana |
- Anti-infection drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), haloperidol (Haldol), some antidepressants, quinine, and sulfa drugs, can result in ocular abnormalities.
- Here are some terrible substances for your eyes: cocaine, aspirin, sulfa drugs, chemical diuretics, liquor, phenylalanine, nicotine, and hydrocortisone.
- Be highly cautious when wearing contact lenses. They keep air from getting to the eyeball surfaces they cover, and infections can manifest. Leaving contacts in for more than twenty-four hours can produce ulcerative keratitis. The cells of the cornea are rubbed away by the contact lens, resulting in infection, scarring, and sometimes eventual blindness. Research shows this danger applies equally to regular daily contact or extended-wear lenses.
Herbs
- Eyebright is amongst the best natural remedies for eye problems. It has been used for this purpose for over two thousand years. Add one tablespoon of the herb to a cup of boiled water, then strain and let it cool. Apply fresh, cool eyebright tea as a daily eye wash. It can strengthen the eyes and help reduce or eliminate many eye problems.
- Red raspberry and goldenseal teas all help the eyes. Eyebright is especially noted for what it can do for the eyes. People have used it for centuries.
- The internal use of chaparral tea and vitamin A can strengthen the eyes significantly when damaged due to diabetes.
- According to research, bilberry (European blueberry) contains flavonoid compounds called anthocyanosides which can improve the circulation of the eye and promote the formation of visual purple. In some studies, it is combined with vitamin E.
- Dandelion helps detoxify the liver. And seaweed (Norway kelp or Nova Scotia dulse) provides essential minerals.
- Blackfoot Indians made tea of the yarrow leaves and applied it as an eye wash. Aloe vera juice is also helpful.
- Drink strong borage tea to strengthen the eyes, and eat young leaves in a salad.
- The Ancient Greeks used fresh white cabbage juice with tiny amounts of honey to relieve sore, inflamed, moist, or running eyes. They also added thyme to food to help overcome dim sight.
- For runny eyes in infants, wash the eyes every half hour with clean, warm water. Bruise fresh cabbage leaves to a soft pulp and apply a pack to closed eyes. This will increase the flow for a few days but will eliminate the problem within a short time.
- For inflamed eyes, apply a lotion of eyebright or strained chickweed tea.
- Apply witch hazel compresses over closed eyes to relieve red, sore, strained, or inflamed eyes.
- Apply a compress of tansy tea for a sty or inflammation of the eye.
- Individuals with dark circles under their eyes should rest more, abstain from overworking, drink more fluids, and get more sleep. You may have lost a good amount of weight too quickly. This may be caused by iron deficiency, kidney or liver malfunction, or chronic allergies. Place chamomile tea bags over closed eyes.
- Americans and Indians have been drinking goldenseal tea for the eyes for over two hundred years.
- The following is a tonic for poor and unhealthy vision. Combine equal parts of goldenseal root, bayberry root bark, red raspberry leaves, eyebright, and a pinch of cayenne. Avoid contact with the eyes, but take two to four capsules of the powdered herbs daily. Take two to three capsules for more acute issues three times daily. The eyebright and goldenseal provide the primary effect. The other herbs are antibiotics, stimulants, and astringents. This will aid in preventing cataracts and relieve inflamed eyes, stinging, weeping, or oversensitive to light.
Other Beneficial Remedies
- Dip a washcloth in ice water and place it over your eyes for about fifteen minutes, once or twice daily. Or you can put cold cucumber slices on your closed eyes. This will bring healing blood to your eyes and help strengthen them. This is good for pinkeye, sunburn, and eyestrain.
- Wear sunglasses that block ninety-nine to one hundred percent UVA and UVB radiation to protect against ultraviolet rays. Any other sunglasses can damage your eyes. Eyes can get sunburned. UV radiation causes photokeratitis, in which the outer layer of cells is damaged. Treat sunburned eyes with cold compresses.
- Rest your eyes by palming them. Place the palm of your left hand over your left eye. Do the same with the right hand over the right eye. Both eyes are now covered, yet nothing is touching the eyes. This gives them a rest for a few moments. Do this several times a day, ten seconds at a time.
Natural Remedies for Mucus in Eye
Suppose your eye tends to be filled with mucus. In that case, the cause may be a combination of poor working conditions, inadequate diet, and an airborne infection. The following tips may help you get over this condition:
- Improve the diet and take a mineral/vitamin supplement two times daily. Get plenty of rest. Work in a clear and clean environment that is not too dusty.
- Wash each eye with goldenseal root tea. But do not use goldenseal in large amounts if pregnant.
Natural Remedies for Yellow Eyes
If the whites of your eyes have a yellow hue, it could result from a blockage of the bile duct system, which gallstones, tumors, or hepatitis might cause. Red blood cells may also be destroyed in the process. People taking large amounts of carrot juice can develop a yellowish cast to their skin (which is not dangerous). However, their sclera will not turn yellow, a telltale sign of jaundice. The following remedies for yellow eyes may help:
- The cause of the obstruction needs to be ascertained and treated. Treatment of jaundice includes ultraviolet light exposure to increase elimination and liver flush. For three days, drink only apple juice, a cup of olive oil, and lemon juice. Also, obtain vitamins C, A, and E. This large amount of olive oil dilates the bile ducts, so the stones can be ejected. This needs only be done once to solve the problem.
Natural Remedies for Puffy Eyes
When a small area beneath each eye appears puffy and looks like there are bags under them, it could be a sign that the liver and kidneys are being overworked. Here are some natural remedies for puffy eyes that may help:
- Abstain from liquor or the use of tobacco and its products.
- Control salt intake. Avoid monosodium glutamate.
- Improve your diet by switching to a more nutritional diet that includes vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.
- Greasy, processed, and junk food may seem enticing because it is quick. However, the undernourishment it causes is wearing out your body.
- Caffeine products only whip the tired horse. Instead, get the proper rest that you require each night.
- Avoid doing work that requires you to bend over. This intensifies the bags under your eyes. Sleep on your back.
- Wrap ice cubes in a cloth and apply them to the area for quick relief.
- Avoid drinking before going to bed.
Natural Remedies for Itchy Eyes
Your eyes feel itchy and tired, resulting from poor diet, lack of rest, anxiety enervation, eyestrain, or just a simple eye problem. The below natural remedies could help get rid of the red:
- Do not overeat or overwork. Consume a nutritious diet. Get enough rest at night.
- The diet should include the entire B complex with an emphasis on B6. Be sure your diet provides calcium.
- Do not strain your eyes.
- Eyebright is amongst the best natural remedies for eye problems.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Instead, apply warm or cool compresses to your closed eye to soothe the itch.
- Do not share tissues, handkerchiefs, or towels with anyone else.
- Do not place a patch over the itching eyes. Then bacteria can increase and cause even more severe problems.
Frequently Asked Question
I’ve heard lutein and zeaxanthin suit my eyes, but how do they work, and how much should I take?
Great question! Lutein and zeaxanthin act like internal sunglasses for your eyes. They’re pigments in leafy greens and colorful vegetables that accumulate in your retina, filtering out harmful blue light. Research from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS2) found that a regular dose of 10 mg lutein and 2 mg zeaxanthin can significantly reduce the risk of advanced macular degeneration. (Source: National Institutes of Health)
I know warm compresses are good for styes, but can essential oils like tea tree oil be used safely around my eyes?
While tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, it’s a no-no to use it directly on or around the eyes. It’s potent and can cause irritation or even burns. Stick with warm compresses and good hygiene if you’re dealing with a stye.
My eyes are always dry. I’ve tried omega-3 supplements, but what other natural remedies for eye problems can help?
Dry eyes are frustrating! While omega-3s are a good start, consider increasing your intake of vitamin A-rich foods like carrots and sweet potatoes. A study in the Archives of Ophthalmology found vitamin A deficiency is correlated with dry eyes. Also, try blinking more often and using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Source: Archives of Ophthalmology)
Bilberry is touted as a vision booster, but does it live up to the hype?
Bilberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanosides, which some research suggests might improve night vision and circulation to the eyes. However, the evidence is mixed. If you’re curious, talk to your eye doctor about whether bilberry supplements suit you.
I’ve heard eye exercises can improve vision. Is there any truth to this, or is it just a myth?
Some eye exercises, like those used for convergence insufficiency (difficulty focusing), can be beneficial. However, they won’t magically cure nearsightedness or farsightedness. Consult your eye doctor before trying any eye exercise program.
Is there a natural way to reduce eye puffiness besides cucumbers?
Absolutely! Chilled chamomile tea bags are a soothing option. Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing puffiness. Also, ensure you get enough sleep and stay hydrated, as these factors greatly affect how your eyes look and feel.
I’m worried about cataracts. Are there any natural remedies for eye problems that can help prevent or slow their progression?
While there’s no magic bullet, a diet rich in antioxidants (found in berries, kale, and other colorful fruits and vegetables) may offer some protection. The American Optometric Association also recommends wearing sunglasses with UV defense to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
Can honey help with eye infections?
While honey has antibacterial properties, it should never be put directly into the eye. Some studies have shown that diluted honey drops might be helpful for dry eyes, but more research is needed. Talk to your eye doctor before experimenting with honey.
I’m interested in trying eyebright for my allergies. Is it safe, and how does it work?
Eyebright is a traditional remedy used for eye irritation and allergies. It contains compounds that might have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. However, talking to your doctor before using it is crucial, as it can interact with certain medications.
Are there any specific essential oils that are safe and effective for promoting eye health?
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and should never be applied directly to the eyes. While some research suggests that lavender oil might have relaxing properties that could help with eye strain, it’s best to use it in aromatherapy or diluted in carrier oil for massage around the temples.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 387, 388, 389, 390.
- American Optometric Association: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y