Dry Eyes: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dry eyes, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes, leading to discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision.

This condition is often caused by factors such as age, environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, and underlying health issues. If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to chronic eye infections, vision problems, and even permanent damage to the cornea.

Fortunately, herbal remedies can provide relief. Aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea are known to soothe and moisturize the eyes.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dry eyes, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dry eyes?

The main causes of dry eyes are multifaceted and can be attributed to a combination of factors, with age being a significant contributor, as the risk of developing dry eye syndrome increases with age due to decreased tear production (1).

Other contributing factors include environmental factors such as dry air, wind, and exposure to digital screens (2), as well as medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications (3), which can reduce tear production. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders are also at a higher risk of developing dry eye syndrome (4). Furthermore, people who wear contact lenses, especially those with hard contact lenses, may experience dry eyes due to reduced tear flow (5).

Furthermore, poor blinking and tear duct obstruction can also contribute to dry eyes (6).

• Age: Dry eyes are more common in older adults due to decreased tear production and changes in the eye's surface, particularly with age-related decline in the lacrimal gland's ability to produce tears.
• Computer Use: Prolonged use of computers and other digital devices can cause dry eyes due to reduced blinking, which is necessary for tear distribution and spreading over the eye's surface.
• Contact Lenses: Contact lens wearers are more likely to experience dry eyes due to the reduced oxygen supply to the eyes, decreased tear production, and irritation caused by the lenses.
• Dry Air: Low humidity environments can evaporate tears faster than they can be produced, leading to dry eyes.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can decrease tear production and cause dry eyes as a side effect.
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the glands responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film, can lead to dry eyes due to impaired tear film stability.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and other essential nutrients can contribute to dry eyes by affecting tear production and quality.
• Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of dry eyes, possibly due to inflammation and metabolic changes that affect tear production and quality.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the eyes' surface and reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes.
• Women Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and other female reproductive stages can lead to dry eyes due to changes in tear production and other hormonal fluctuations.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dry eyes?

The main medicinal herbs used for dry eyes are Euphrasia officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Ginkgo biloba, Calendula officinalis, Aloe vera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Ribes nigrum, Tripterygium wilfordii.

Euphrasia officinalis is used due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help reduce eye irritation and infection. Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vera soothe and moisturize the eyes with their emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing dryness and redness. Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the eyes, reducing dryness and promoting healthy tear production.

Other herbs such as Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Ribes nigrum, and Tripterygium wilfordii may also have synergistic effects that help alleviate dry eye symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy ocular tissue.

• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis helps with dry eyes by increasing tear production due to its iridoid glycosides, which stimulate the lacrimal gland to secrete tears.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis soothes and moisturizes the eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting the health of the ocular surface.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the eyes, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce redness and swelling in the eyes, providing relief from dry eye symptoms.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, rich in glycoproteins and vitamins, helps to soothe and calm dry, irritated eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps to reduce inflammation in the eyes and soothe dry, irritated conjunctiva.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes, alleviating dry eye symptoms.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, contains allantoin, which promotes wound healing and tissue repair, helping to soothe and calm dry, irritated eyes.
• Ribes nigrum: Ribes nigrum, also known as black currant, contains anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes, alleviating dry eye symptoms.
• Tripterygium wilfordii: Tripterygium wilfordii has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes, alleviating dry eye symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dry eyes?

The main herbal preparations used for dry eyes are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Cream, Gel, Capsule, Suppository, Ointment, Eye Drop, Eye Drops.

Tincture of eyebright and calendula is used to soothe and protect the eyes due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of herbs such as eyebright and marshmallow root is used to provide relief from dryness and irritation due to their mucilaginous properties. Topical preparations like Salve, Cream, Gel, and Ointment containing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea help to moisturize and calm the eyes.

Eye Drop and Eye Drops of herbal extracts like flaxseed and evening primrose oil are used to provide lubrication and nourishment to the eyes.

• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with dry eyes by reducing inflammation and increasing the production of tears.
• Decoction: A decoction of the herb Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with dry eyes by providing soothing and protective properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes.
• Salve: A salve of the herb Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) helps with dry eyes by providing a protective barrier on the surface of the eyes and reducing inflammation.
• Cream: A cream of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dry eyes by providing moisturizing and soothing properties to the mucous membranes of the eyes.
• Gel: A gel of the herb Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with dry eyes by providing a cooling and soothing effect on the surface of the eyes.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with dry eyes by providing a concentrated dose of anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Suppository: A suppository of the herb Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with dry eyes by providing a localized delivery of soothing and protective compounds to the mucous membranes of the eyes.
• Ointment: An ointment of the herb Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) helps with dry eyes by providing a protective barrier on the surface of the eyes and reducing inflammation.
• Eye Drop: Eye drops containing the herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) help with dry eyes by directly applying anti-inflammatory and moisturizing compounds to the surface of the eyes.
• Eye Drops: Eye drops containing the herb Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) help with dry eyes by directly applying anti-inflammatory and moisturizing compounds to the surface of the eyes.