Eye Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Eye pain, characterized by a sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation in the eyes, is a common and debilitating condition that can be caused by various factors such as infections, allergies, dry eyes, and injuries.

If left untreated, eye pain can lead to more severe complications like vision loss and increased sensitivity to light. Fortunately, herbal remedies like chamomile, calendula, and eyebright can provide relief. These herbs can be applied topically as eye drops or ointments, or consumed as teas to reduce inflammation and soothe the eyes.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with other medications and exacerbate certain conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of eye pain, 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 eye pain?

The main causes of eye pain are often related to underlying medical conditions such as conjunctivitis, a viral or bacterial infection that inflames the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid.

Dry eye syndrome, characterized by inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, is another common cause of eye pain. Other potential causes include corneal ulcers, which can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, physical trauma, or a foreign object in the eye. Inflammation of the iris, known as iritis, can also cause eye pain due to the inflammation of the iris and the ciliary body.

Additionally, eye strain and fatigue from prolonged use of digital devices or other visual tasks can contribute to eye pain.

• Dry Eye: Dry eye is a common cause of eye pain due to inadequate tear production or poor tear quality, leading to inflammation and irritation of the cornea and conjunctiva.
• Headache: Headache is a frequent cause of eye pain due to referred pain from the trigeminal nerve, which can be caused by various conditions such as migraines, tension headaches, or sinusitis.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common cause of eye pain due to infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens.
• Strabismus: Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is a cause of eye pain due to muscle imbalance and misalignment of the eyes, leading to overuse and strain on the eye muscles.
• Uveitis: Uveitis is a cause of eye pain due to inflammation of the uvea, which can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, or trauma to the eye.
• Asthenopia: Asthenopia, or eye fatigue, is a cause of eye pain due to prolonged use of the eyes, leading to strain and fatigue of the eye muscles and nerves.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a cause of eye pain due to increased intraocular pressure, which can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
• Keratitis: Keratitis is a cause of eye pain due to inflammation of the cornea, which can be caused by infections, injuries, or autoimmune disorders.
• Cataract: Cataract is a cause of eye pain due to clouding of the lens, which can cause vision problems and potentially lead to eye pain if left untreated.
• Iritis: Iritis is a cause of eye pain due to inflammation of the iris, which can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma to the eye.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye pain are Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Ginkgo biloba, Euphrasia officinalis, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Hypericum perforatum, Cinchona officinalis, Euphorbia peplus, Zingiber officinale.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain in the eyes. Aloe barbadensis soothes and calms irritated eyes with its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Euphrasia officinalis is traditionally used to treat eye infections and inflammation due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

These herbs are effective in treating eye pain because they contain compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that reduce pain and inflammation in the eyes.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with eye pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may reduce redness and swelling in the eyes.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with eye pain due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with eye pain due to its potential to improve blood circulation and reduce oxidative stress in the eyes.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis, also known as Eyebright, helps with eye pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce redness and swelling in the eyes.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea may help with eye pain due to its potential to reduce inflammation and improve the body's immune response.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale, also known as Comfrey, helps with eye pain due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that may reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, may help with eye pain due to its potential to reduce inflammation and improve mood.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis may help with eye pain due to its potential to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the eyes.
• Euphorbia peplus: Euphorbia peplus may help with eye pain due to its potential to reduce inflammation and improve wound healing.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, may help with eye pain due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may reduce irritation and inflammation in the eyes.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye pain?

The main herbal preparations used for eye pain are Tincture, Decoction, Salve, Gel, Capsule, Ointment, Cream, Poultice, Suppository, Tea.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid, is often used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties found in herbs like goldenseal and echinacea, which help combat infections and reduce redness. Decoction, a liquid preparation made by steeping herbs in hot water, is used for its anti-inflammatory properties in herbs like eyebright, which may help reduce swelling and pain in the eye. Salve, a topical preparation, and Gel, a semi-solid preparation, are often used to apply herbs like aloe vera and chamomile directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Other preparations like Capsule, Ointment, Cream, Poultice, Suppository, and Tea, which are used to administer herbs like feverfew and ginkgo biloba, may also be effective in alleviating eye pain due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Tincture: A tincture of Calendula officinalis, rich in flavonoids and triterpenoids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conjunctivitis and other eye irritations.
• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea, containing alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with uveitis and other eye infections.
• Salve: A salve of Aloe barbadensis, rich in aloin and aloe-emodin, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conjunctivitis and other eye irritations.
• Gel: A gel of Ginkgo biloba, containing flavonoids and terpenoids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the eyes, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with glaucoma and other eye conditions.
• Capsule: A capsule of Ziziphus jujuba, rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with uveitis and other eye infections.
• Ointment: An ointment of Hypericum perforatum, containing hyperforin and hypericin, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conjunctivitis and other eye irritations.
• Cream: A cream of Arnica montana, rich in sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with conjunctivitis and other eye irritations.
• Poultice: A poultice of Plantago major, containing flavonoids and phenolic acids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with uveitis and other eye infections.
• Suppository: A suppository of Ocimum basilicum, containing flavonoids and terpenoids, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the eyes, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with glaucoma and other eye conditions.
• Tea: A tea of Camellia sinensis, rich in flavonoids and caffeine, helps with eye pain by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with eye strain and other eye conditions.