see also Stye
Blepharitis
Crusting and redness around the edge of the eyelids, often associated with Dandruff or Eczema. Untreated, flakes of skin may enter the eye and cause Conjunctivitis, or the eyelashes may fall out. Like dandruff, condition is deep-rooted and best treated constitutionally. Orthodox treatment is by antibiotic or steroid ointments which suppress rather than cure the condition.
Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)
Ptosis can be congenital. If it occurs later in life it is caused by damage to the lid muscle or to the nerve controlling it; damage may be a consequence of injury, myasthaenia gravis, Diabetes, or an aneurysm within the skull, or simply the result of ageing. Can block vision, and is often accompanied by double vision; sometimes correctable by surgery. Constitutional homeopathic treatment should certainly be tried.
Specific remedy to be taken every 12 hours for up to 10 doses while constitutional treatment is being sought
Specific remedies to be taken every 4 hours for up to 2 weeks
- Eyelids red and gummy Hepar sulph. 6c
- Eyelids red and swollen, gummy in morning Graphites 6c
- Where itchiness is main complaint Calcarea 6c
- Lids sore and burning, with tiny ulcers, made worse by bathing eyes in water Sulphur 6c
Self-help: Last thing at night, bathe eyelids with saline solution (1 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water) and lightly apply Calendula ointment. Reduce intake of animal fats, and take 1 tablespoon cold-pressed Linseed oil daily. Vitamins A and C, and zinc may also be beneficial.
Ectropion
A turning outwards of the lower lid as the lid muscles become lax, exposing the lower pan of the eyeball and preventing tears from draining into tear duct; tears run down cheek instead, lower lids become dry and sore, and lower part of conjunctiva thickens pushing lid further away from eyeball, usually a complaint of old age of following facial palsy. Untreated, a Corneal Ulcer may form; in severe cases, minor surgery may be necessary.
Specific remedy to be taken 4 times daily for up to 2 weeks
Self-help: Bathe eye with Euphrasia solution (see Conjunctivitis).
Entropion
A turning inwards of the lower lid due to contraction of the muscles around the lid margin, causing Conjunctivitis or a Corneal Ulcer as in-turned lashes irritate and scratch the eyeball; condition mainly affects old people but can sometimes be congenital. It can be caused, and made worse, be screwing up and rubbing eyes. Can be corrected by minor surgery.
Specific remedy to be taken every 4 hours for up to 2 weeks
Self-help: Bathe eyes with Euphrasia solution (see Conjunctivitis). |
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