Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

220 •HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPTHE EYESThe eyes supply the brain with information from the outsideworld—along with the other sensory organs (the ears, nose,tongue, and skin)—and are complex, delicate mechanisms.The cornea and lens in each eye focus incoming rays of light,forming an image on the retina, a membrane covering theback of the inside of the eye. Millions of extremely sensitivenerve cells in the retina convert the image into suitablemessages for transmission along the optic nerve to the brain.DISORDEREYE STRAINEye strain can be caused by overwork or by working in poorlight. Stress, especially following an emotional upset, canweaken the eye muscles and cause eye strain. The condition maymanifest itself as a tightness around the eyes, or as difficulty infocusing on long-distance objects after focusing on near ones.SELF-HELP Apply dry, cold compresses to the eyes or bathe themwith a euphrasia solution (see below). Rest the eyes by placingthe palms lightly against closed eyes, thus relaxing them, fora couple of minutes.SPECIFIC AILMENTEyes ache on movementBurning eyesPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Dull, aching pain in the eyes when looking up,down, or sideways• Eyes burn and feel strained after a prolongedperiod of studying or reading• Eyes feel hot and are red• Possible headacheCONJUNCTIVITISInflammation of the conjunctiva results from infection (yellowdischarge) or allergy (whites of the eyes are red and gritty).SELF-HELP Bathe the eyes with euphrasia solution (2 dropsmother tincture added to a saltwater eyebath—1 tspsalt to ¾ cup boiled, cooled water). Rest the eyes,do not share a towel, and wash your hands after touchingthe eyes.STYESA stye is a small, pus-filled boil that forms at the base of an eyelash.It is caused by an infection and usually clears up by itself withinabout seven days, but it can be aggravated by tiredness. Forrecurrent styes, constitutional treatment (see page 176) is advisable.SELF-HELP Rest the eyes. Avoid touching the eyes, especially withdirty hands, and never squeeze a stye. If a stye persists, try hotspoonbathing: wrap cotton batting around the handle of a woodenspoon, dip it into very hot water, then place the cotton against thestye. Repeat several times.TWITCHING EYELIDSThe eyelids may twitch when there is no other bodily twitchingor trembling. This usually indicates tiredness or tension.SELF-HELP Increase the amount of sleep you get and take napsif necessary. Learn relaxation or meditation techniques.Swollen eyelids withburning dischargeInflamed eyes withitchy eyelidsInflamed and painful eyesTwitching with anxietyabout health• Eyes water continuously, which irritates theskin on the cheeks beneath them• Eyelids are swollen and burning• Frequent need to blink• Little blisters may form inside the eyelids• Bland nasal discharge• Eyes are red and swollen• Eyelids itch• Small boils on the eyelids develop headsof pus• Eyes are red, swollen, and painful• Small boils on the eyelids developheads of pus• Spasmodic twitching of the eyelids• Difficulty in reading because type seemsto “swim” on the page• Possible itching and burning of the eyelidsWATERING EYESWatering eyes are common in cold winds and drafts. Ifconstant, this condition may be due to blocked tear ducts asa result of infection or injury to the bridge or sides of the nose.SELF-HELP Massage the sides of the nose to clear the tear ducts.CAUTION If discharge contains pus or if there is tenderness at thesides of the nose, see a doctor within 24 hours.Watering due to infectionof tear duct• Eyes water due to mild but persistent infectionof the tear ducts that the body seems unableto overcome• Lack of physical stamina