Sore Eyes: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Sore eyes, also known as conjunctivitis or eye strain, is a condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and discomfort in the eyes.

Caused by factors such as allergies, infection, prolonged screen time, or exposure to chemicals, sore eyes can lead to serious health issues, including vision loss, corneal ulcers, and increased risk of eye infections. To alleviate sore eyes, herbal remedies like chamomile, calendula, and eyebright can be used in the form of eye drops, teas, or compresses.

However, when using medicinal herbs for sore eyes, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional and follow proper precautions to avoid exacerbating the condition, especially if you're allergic or have sensitive eyes.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of sore 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 sore eyes?

The main causes of sore eyes are dryness due to inadequate tear production or evaporation from prolonged screen time, exposure to wind, dry air, or air conditioning, which can reduce the ocular surface's moisture barrier; viral or bacterial conjunctivitis; overuse or incorrect use of contact lenses; underlying medical conditions such as blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or rheumatoid arthritis; and exposure to irritants like chemicals, dust, or allergens.

The main causes of sore eyes are dryness due to inadequate tear production or evaporation from prolonged screen time, exposure to wind, dry air, or air conditioning, which can reduce the ocular surface's moisture barrier; viral or bacterial conjunctivitis; overuse or incorrect use of contact lenses; underlying medical conditions such as blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or rheumatoid arthritis; and exposure to irritants like chemicals, dust, or allergens.

• Dry Eye: Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality, leading to inflammation and irritation of the eyes, which can cause soreness, grittiness, and blurred vision.
• Computer Vision Syndrome: Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, is a condition that occurs when focusing on a computer screen for extended periods of time, leading to eye fatigue, headaches, and soreness due to the prolonged focusing, blinking, and eye movements required to view the screen.
• Allergies: Allergies, such as seasonal or environmental allergies, can cause sore eyes by triggering an allergic reaction in the eyes, leading to itching, redness, and irritation due to the release of histamine and other chemicals in response to the allergen.
• Blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, occurs when the oil glands in the eyelids become clogged with oil and other debris, leading to redness, swelling, and soreness of the eyelids and surrounding eye tissue.
• Contact Lens Irritation: Contact lens irritation occurs when the contact lenses do not fit properly or are not cleaned and maintained correctly, leading to eye irritation, redness, and soreness due to the friction and inflammation caused by the contact lenses.
• Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids, leading to redness, discharge, and soreness of the eye.
• Uveitis: Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light, and can be a sign of an underlying systemic condition or disease.
• Iritis: Iritis, also known as anterior uveitis, is an inflammation of the iris, the colored part of the eye, which can cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light, and can be a sign of an underlying systemic condition or disease.
• Ocular Migraines: Ocular migraines, also known as migraines with aura, are a type of headache disorder that can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, and other visual symptoms, including sore eyes.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for sore eyes?

The main medicinal herbs used for sore eyes are Calendula officinalis, Euphrasia officinalis, Aloe vera, Symphytum officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe barbadensis, Chrysanthemum parthenium.

Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoids and sesquiterpenes that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing redness and promoting healing in the eyes. Euphrasia officinalis has antimicrobial properties that help combat eye infections, while Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis contain aloin and aloe-emodin, which soothe and calm irritated eyes. Symphytum officinale contains allantoin, which helps to regenerate and protect the mucous membranes in the eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Other herbs such as Echinacea purpurea, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Chrysanthemum parthenium may also be used to address underlying issues contributing to sore eyes, such as infections, allergies, or dryness.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as its antimicrobial activity, which prevents infections from exacerbating the condition.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis helps with sore eyes due to its ability to soothe and calm the eyes, reducing irritation and inflammation, while also having antimicrobial properties that prevent infections.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as its ability to protect the eyes from further irritation and damage.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as its ability to promote healing and regeneration of the ocular tissues.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with sore eyes due to its immune-boosting properties, which aid in the body's natural defense against infections and inflammation, thereby reducing the severity of the condition.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as prevent infections from exacerbating the condition.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with sore eyes due to its antioxidant properties, which protect the ocular tissues from oxidative stress and damage, as well as its ability to improve blood flow to the eyes, promoting healing and regeneration.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as its ability to protect the eyes from further irritation and damage.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as its ability to protect the eyes from further irritation and damage.
• Chrysanthemum parthenium: Chrysanthemum parthenium helps with sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce redness and swelling, as well as prevent infections from exacerbating the condition, while also soothing and calming the eyes.

What are the main herbal preparations used for sore eyes?

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

Decoction of herbs such as Euphrasia officinalis or Calendula officinalis can be used to treat sore eyes due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Tincture of herbs like Eyebright or Calendula can be applied topically or used in eye drops to alleviate eye irritations. Salve or Eye Cream prepared with herbs like Aloe vera or Chamomile can be applied topically to soothe and calm the eyes, while Ointment or Gel can be used to provide a protective barrier.

Eye Drops or Suppository of herbs like Pycnogenol or Ginkgo biloba can be administered to treat eye irritations, while Capsule or Poultice can be used to support overall eye health.

• Decoction: A decoction of Echinacea purpurea and Calendula officinalis helps with sore eyes by providing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that reduce redness and swelling, and promote healing of the ocular surface.
• Tincture: A tincture of Aloe barbadensis, combined with the antibacterial properties of Echinacea purpurea, helps with sore eyes by reducing inflammation, soothing the ocular surface, and preventing infection.
• Salve: A salve of Symphytum officinale, a plant rich in allantoin, helps with sore eyes by promoting the regeneration of damaged corneal epithelial cells, reducing inflammation, and soothing the ocular surface.
• Eye Cream: An eye cream containing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ginkgo biloba helps with sore eyes by reducing swelling, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and protecting the eyes from further damage.
• Ointment: An ointment of Euphorbia pulcherrima, a plant rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with sore eyes by reducing redness, swelling, and pain, and promoting the healing of the ocular surface.
• Gel: A gel of Aloe barbadensis, with its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helps with sore eyes by reducing inflammation, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Poultice: A poultice of Plantago lanceolata, a plant rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with sore eyes by reducing swelling and redness, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Capsule: A capsule of N-acetyl cysteine, an amino acid with antioxidant properties, helps with sore eyes by reducing oxidative stress, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and protecting the eyes from further damage.
• Eye Drops: Eye drops of Hypericum perforatum, a plant rich in flavonoids and other anti-inflammatory compounds, help with sore eyes by reducing inflammation, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and providing relief from pain and discomfort.
• Suppository: A suppository of Calendula officinalis, a plant rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, helps with sore eyes by reducing inflammation, promoting the healing of the ocular surface, and providing relief from pain and discomfort.