Eye Strain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Eye strain, characterized by fatigue, dryness, and irritation in the eyes, typically occurs after prolonged exposure to digital screens, intense lighting, or prolonged reading.

The causes of eye strain include prolonged screen time, inadequate blinking, and poor posture, which can lead to headaches, blurred vision, and decreased productivity. Using herbal remedies like chamomile, calendula, and bilberry can provide relief from eye strain. Herbal teas, eye drops, and tinctures made from these herbs can help soothe and calm the eyes.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying eye conditions or allergies.

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

The main causes of eye strain are prolonged periods of visual focus on digital screens, such as computers, smartphones, and televisions, which can lead to dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision due to the close proximity of the eyes and the constant shift in focus.

Additionally, improper posture and inadequate lighting can contribute to eye strain by forcing the eyes to work harder to focus. Blue light emission from digital devices has also been linked to eye strain, as it can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and cause eye fatigue. Prolonged reading or other visually demanding activities can also lead to eye strain, particularly if proper breaks and eye exercises are not taken.

Research has shown that 70-90% of adults experience eye strain at some point in their lives, with the American Academy of Ophthalmology reporting that the most common causes are prolonged screen time and inadequate eye care habits.

• Prolonged screen time: Prolonged screen time is the leading cause of eye strain due to the constant focusing on a digital display that can cause the ciliary muscles in the eye to become fatigued, leading to eye strain and dryness.
• Insufficient lighting: Insufficient lighting can cause eye strain as the eye has to work harder to see objects or screens, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
• Dry eyes: Dry eyes are a common cause of eye strain as the eye's surface lacks moisture and lubrication, causing irritation and discomfort.
• Poor posture: Poor posture can cause eye strain as the head and eyes are not in a neutral position, leading to uneven strain on the eye muscles.
• Blue light emission: Blue light emission from digital devices can cause eye strain as it can stimulate the retina and cause the eye to work harder, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
• Contact lens wear: Contact lens wear can cause eye strain as the lens can cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort, especially if not cleaned or replaced properly.
• Reading: Reading can cause eye strain as the eye has to focus on a static object for an extended period, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
• Contact lens solution: Contact lens solution can cause eye strain as some solutions can irritate the eyes, especially if not rinsed properly.
• Computer graphics: Computer graphics can cause eye strain as the fast-paced and high-contrast images can cause the eye to work harder, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
• Aging: Aging can cause eye strain as the eye's muscles and tissues can become weaker and more prone to fatigue with age, leading to eye strain and discomfort.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye strain?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye strain are Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Euphrasia officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Passiflora incarnata, Zingiber officinale, Bacopa monnieri, Aloe vera, Panax ginseng, Echinacea purpurea.

Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which improve blood flow to the eyes and reduce oxidative stress. Centella asiatica's asiatic acid and brahmoside have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe eye strain and reduce inflammation. Euphrasia officinalis and Aloe barbadensis are both used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which calm and protect the eyes.

Bacopa monnieri, Panax ginseng, and Echinacea purpurea enhance cognitive function and reduce stress, while Passiflora incarnata and Zingiber officinale relieve stress and promote relaxation.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps alleviate eye strain by improving blood flow to the eyes and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to eye strain and fatigue.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica helps reduce eye strain by improving the health and function of the blood-brain barrier, which can help mitigate the effects of prolonged visual tasks.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis, also known as eye bright, has been traditionally used to treat eye strain and fatigue due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and protect the eyes.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, a type of aloe vera, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue by soothing and calming the eyes, while also reducing oxidative stress.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata, also known as passionflower, can help alleviate eye strain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to eye fatigue.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue by reducing inflammation and promoting healthy blood flow to the eyes.
• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri has been traditionally used to improve memory and cognitive function, which can help alleviate eye strain by reducing mental fatigue and improving focus and concentration.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue by soothing and calming the eyes, while also reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy blood flow.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as ginseng, can help alleviate eye strain by improving energy and reducing fatigue, which can be caused by prolonged visual tasks and mental focus.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce eye strain and fatigue by promoting healthy immune function and reducing oxidative stress.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye strain?

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

Gel capsule formulations of herbs like Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, and Ashwagandha help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes by reducing the levels of free radicals and improving blood flow. Liquid tinctures of herbs such as Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and protect the eyes from infections. Decoctions of herbs like Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) are used as compresses to calm and relax the eyes, while Eye Cream, Salve, and Ointment formulations with herbs like Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) provide moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Additionally, Poultices, Suppositories, and Eye Drops of herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis) and Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) are used to reduce swelling and promote healing in the eyes, while herbal Tea, such as Peppermint (Mentha piperita), is used to relax and soothe the eyes.

• Gel Capsule: The gel capsule preparation containing the anti-inflammatory compound ferulic acid from Angelica gigas, helps with eye strain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes.
• Liquid Tincture: The liquid tincture preparation of Passiflora incarnata, rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, helps with eye strain by relaxing the eye muscles and reducing anxiety and stress.
• Decoction: The decoction preparation of Bacopa monnieri, which contains bacosides, helps with eye strain by improving cognitive function and memory, thereby reducing mental fatigue associated with eye strain.
• Eye Cream: The eye cream preparation containing the antioxidant compound polyphenol from Ginkgo biloba, helps with eye strain by protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from oxidative damage and inflammation.
• Salve: The salve preparation of Calendula officinalis, rich in triterpenoids and carotenoids, helps with eye strain by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing around the eyes.
• Ointment: The ointment preparation of Aloe barbadensis, containing aloe-emodin and aloin, helps with eye strain by soothing and calming the eye muscles and reducing inflammation.
• Poultice: The poultice preparation of Plantago major, rich in mucilage and saponins, helps with eye strain by providing a soothing and protective barrier around the eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Suppository: The suppository preparation of Euphrasia officinalis, containing iridoid glycosides and phenolic acids, helps with eye strain by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the eyes, particularly in cases of conjunctivitis or blepharitis.
• Eye Drop: The eye drop preparation of Echinacea purpurea, rich in alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, helps with eye strain by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the eyes, particularly in cases of dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis.
• Tea: The tea preparation of Camellia sinensis, containing catechins and theaflavins, helps with eye strain by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, thereby reducing eye fatigue and promoting overall eye health.