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DESCRIPTION
Eye mucus is your body's own mechanism for protecting the eye from damage caused by infections and irritants.
A number of different conditions can cause mucus to accumulate in the eyes, such as allergies, head colds, and infections (conjunctivitis) caused by a variety of bacterial and viral micro-organisms. Dry eye, blepharitis, contact lenses can contribute to mucus forming in the eyes. Eye injuries, fumes, smoke, wind, dry air, contact lens solution (especially those that contain preservatives), chlorine from swimming pools, chemicals, air pollution, make-up or countless other foreign substances can also contribute to eye irritation and the formation of eye mucus.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis will help with treatment options. You should contact your health care provider or eye specialist to have your inflammation evaluated. Some conditions are often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed. You may be given medication, such as an antibiotic or antihistamine to treat your condition, depending on the cause. Eye washes, eye drops and ointments and eyelid scrubs are often used as a treatment.
Note the color of the mucus. Is it clear, white, or yellow, frequency of occurrence, other symptoms that may accompany the mucus (itchy eyes, redness, sneezing). This will help in evaluating your cause. Be aware of your hygiene. Do not rub your eyes with dirty hands or tissues. You may introduce infectious or irritating substances into your eyes. Always wash your hands carefully before touching your eyes and use clean tissues, gauze or cotton balls to apply washes or to remove mucus. Do not go probing into your eyes with your fingers or Q-tips as this can cause damage to the eyes and may make matters worse.
HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS & NUTRITION
HERBS
Gently and carefully wash each eye with diluted alcohol-free goldenseal extract or cool goldenseal tea. Caution: Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy, and use it with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
Eyebright is an attractive weed that grows in fields and meadow areas of most temperate climate regions of the world. Eyebright is a parasitic plant that must attach its roots to the roots of other plants in order to survive. Nearly all of the eyebright sold on the market is produced in Europe. Eyebright produces violet-like, white, light red, or purple flowers, often with purple lines or yellow dots on them. High demand and harvesting of this herb has made eyebright an endangered species in some regions of the world. Eyebright has been used to treat respiratory conditions including bronchitis, allergies, colds, and sinusitis. Eyebright contains astringent compounds known as tannins that may help to tighten the top layers of mucous membranes, thereby reducing mucus secretion, which in turn relieves irritation and improves tissue firmness. In its oral form eyebright has been used to treat respiratory conditions including bronchitis, allergies, colds, and sinusitis. Eyebright contains astringent compounds known as tannins that may help to tighten the top layers of mucous membranes reducing mucus secretion, which in turn relieves irritation and improves tissue firmness. Consequently, many believe that eyebright can help relieve the numerous symptoms associated with allergies. Eyebright also contains many chemicals, including caffeic acid, which may have antibacterial effects. Eyebright has also been used as an eye wash for treating a number of different eye conditions. The chemical substance, tannins, that is produced by eyebright has been used to reduce eye inflammation as well as to create a protective covering over the surface of the eye. For use orally, eyebright is commonly prepared as a tea. Usually, 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg of dried eyebright herb is added to about 5 ounces of boiling water and allowed to soak for approximately 10 minutes. The solid particles remaining are then strained out of the tea in preparation for drinking. Eyebright is also available as capsules and extracts that come in different strengths based on the desired effect. Always make sure to follow the instructions on the package you purchase.
MOONDRAGON'S EYEWASH RECIPE
A MoonDragon recipe for an eye wash (which I use as a newborn eye treatment in place of dangerous drugs, such as silver nitrate) consists of a strong tea made from echinacea, goldenseal and eye bright. The herbs can be chopped fine or ground prior to use using a hand held coffee grinder.
2 Tablespoons Echinacea root, ground or finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Goldenseal root, ground or finely chopped
2 Tablespoons Eyebright herb, finely chopped
2 Cups boiling water (enough to fill a pint sized jar)
Add ingredients to the jar and pour the hot water over the herbs. Cover jar with a lid to seal the opening. Allow to steep for at least 30-45 minutes until the water turns a nice rich color. Shake periodically to mix solution and herbs. Strain out the herbs, pressing the fluid from them. You can use a coffee filter to remove herbal particles. Use only the clear tea-colored solution for the wash.
It can be made and put into the refrigerator for storage in a closed jar (I use a pint sized canning jar for the solution. It can be kept for several days if refrigerated.
Using a sterile gauze pad or cotton ball, dip the gauze in the solution and gently wash the eyes from the inside corner (by the nose) to the outside of the eye in one swipe. Discard the gauze and use a fresh one to repeat the procedure. Do not reuse the same gauze or cotton ball to do a second swipe. If there is infection present, reusing the gauze can reintroduce the infectious material into eyes. Use solution 3 or more times daily as an eye wash.
OTHER HELPFUL TREATMENTS
Pink eye associated with hay fever can be treated with drops containing steroids, which must be obtained from your health care provider, and used under his or her supervision.
A bacterial infection is typically treated with antibiotics if the eye does not heal within 4 days of supplemental use.
If the eyelids are swollen, try a peeled and grated fresh potato, wrap it with gauze, and place it over the eyes. It acts as an astringent and has a healing effect.
To make a good all-purpose eye wash, dissolve 1/2 teaspoons aloes and 1 teaspoon boric acid in 1 cup of water.
Another eye wash, you can steep 1 teaspoon goldenseal, 1/2 teaspoon myrrh and 2 heaping teaspoons of boric acid in 1 pint boiling water. Add 1 teaspoon of the infusion to 1/2 cup water and use.
Use warm wet compresses before you go to sleep and when you wake up or anytime your eyes are feeling irritated.
If you have eye mucus related to allergies, the mucus production is a good thing it traps the allergen and it reduces the irritation. Is your body's defense. It is annoying but, keep your eyes clean and makes sure the tissue you use is clean every time. Good hand washing before and after will help reduce the amount of bacteria you introduce to your eyes every time you clean them.
Try using a humidifier to help reduce dry eyes and mucus production.
You can try using eyelid scrubs to keep the area clean.
Use warm saline (salt water) to wash your eyes.
If you wear contact lenses, you need to be careful about medications you use in your eyes. Not all eye drops are meant to be used while wearing contacts. If your eyes are irritated, you may need to remove your lenses for treatment and eye irritation relief. Be sure you clean your lenses well, disinfecting them before putting them back into your eyes or purchase new ones. Do not put the lenses into your mouth and use your saliva as a wetting solution before putting them into your eyes. Use only a saline solution specifically made for contact lenses to wash and care for your lenses. if you are sensitive to chemicals, get one that is made for sensitive eyes without the preservatives. Protein buildup on contacts can produce eye irritation. Contacts can also cause dry eye symptoms as well.
If you experience eye exposure to chemicals, blood, or other infectious substance or you experience irritation by getting something in your eye (like dust), do not rub your eyes as this may result in damage to the eye. Instead, try flushing the eyes using running water over your eyes to remove it. This can be done in a shower, an eye wash station at work, or You can stick your face right under a running faucet of water and let the water run over your eyes as a wash for at least 15 minutes. Open your eyes and let the water wash over the eye, pulling the eye lid up and away from the eyeball as the water flows over it. If this doesn't wash it away, cover both eyes with clean gauze pads, bandage and have someone take you to see your eye specialist or emergency room right away. Foreign objects (such as splinters and fragments of wood, glass or metal) need to be removed professionally to prevent further damage to the eye and surrounding tissues.
If you experience eye irritation, take out your contacts and wash your eyes with baby shampoo and water using a soft clean wash cloth. Rinse well until the mucus and irritant is completely gone. Do not wear your contacts and continue treatment until your eyes heal. If after a few days of baby shampoo eye washes you see no improvement, as far as drainage goes, then go see your health care provider. Usually this cleaning and thoroughly cleaning the contacts combined with good handwashing techniques, may relieve your condition.
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Allergies
Homeopathic Remedies For Eye
Herbs That Reduce Eye Discomforts
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALTHY EYES - RECOMMENDATIONS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Promotes healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels,Plus
Natural Beta-Carotene
Or
Carotenoid ComplexAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels,
Multi-Carotene Antioxidant, Nature's Way, 60 SoftgelsPlus
LuteinAs directed on label. Lutein can help protect the retina from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light and free radicals. Needed for all eye disorders.
Lutein Supplement, Nature's Way, 20 mg, 60 Softgels,
Lutein Esters, 20 mg, 60 SoftgelsAnd
ZeaxanthinAs directed on label. Needed for all eye disorders.
Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene,Vitamin B Complex 50-100 mg daily. The B Vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes.
Ultimate B (Vitamin B Complex), Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs,
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 CapsPlus Extra
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)As directed on label. The B vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes.
Vitamin B-100 Complex, w/ Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps,
Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin), 100% Natural, 100 mg, 100 CapsPlus Extra
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)As directed on label. The B Vitamins help prevent loss of eyelashes. Caution: Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure.
Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B-3), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 100 CapsPlus
Brewer's Yeast2 Tablespoons daily. An excellent source of protein and a good source of B-vitamins.
Brewer's Yeast, Debittered, NOW Foods, 1 lb.,
Brewer's Yeast, NOW Foods, 650 mg, 200 Tabs
EYE CARE SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for eye-related problems.
Beta Carotene (Natural Dunaliella Salina), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 25,000 IU, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Beta Carotene is 100% all natural from Dunaliella Salina.CamoClear Soothing Eye Wash, Herbal Eye Wash, CamoCare, 10 Single Use Droppers
CamoClear Soothing Herbal Eye wash gives you instant, natural and long lasting relief for dry, tired or irritated eyes, due to dust, pollen, pollution, smoke irritants, sun glare, wind, swimming, air conditioning/heating and computer work.Clear Eye Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
To nurture the eye and pacify the nervous system, protect retina, and improve eyesight.Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaozhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Homeopathic, 0.33 fl. oz.
Eye Doctor recommended Similasan Eye Drops for dry, red eyes stimulate the eye's natural ability to fight dryness and clear redness due to smog, stress, age, contact lens wear, etc.Essential Fatty Acids, By Deborah Lee
"Woodland Health Series". Describes the benefits and functions of the three essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid.EyeFactor HAÖ for Healthy Vision with HA, Hyalogic, 120 Count
Hyaluronic acid makes up 95% of the fluid inside the eye. Acts as a shock absorber for the eye and also serves to transport nutrients into the eye.Eye Support Formula With Bilberry, Lutein & Antioxidants, NOW Foods, 60 Caps
NOW "Health Care Provider Recommended" Eye Support Formula eye supplement offers a full range of antioxidant nutrients which may aid in maintaining some visual functions with Lutein and Bilberry.Fisol Fish Oil Supplement, EPA DHA, Enteric Coated, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 90 Softgels
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 30% EPA and 20% DHA. The unique coating withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.Magnesium Citrate Complex, Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Magnesium Citrate is an advanced chelate from which enhances absorption of magnesium by providing excellent solubility.Nature's Way Ginkgold Eyes Plus Lutein, 20 mg, Vegetarian, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Nature's Way Ginkgold eye supplement supports visual function and is the only Ginkgo extract shown to stimulate activity in all areas of the brainNeuromins DHA Supplement (Docosahexaenoic Acid), Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Softgels
Neuromins brand high quality DHA Supplement is sourced from microalgae and fortified with Vitamin C and E.Once Daily Multi-Vitamin With Iron, All Natural, Lactose Free, Nature's Way, 100 Tabs
Nature's Way Daily Multi Vitamin with Iron provides many of the essential nutrients that modern diets may lack. They are useful for protection, growth and maintenance of body systems as they age.Selenium, 100% Natural, 200 mcg, 100 Caps
Selenium is an essential component of glutathione, the body's most potent natural antioxidant system. It is a popular choice in many antioxidant regimens.Synthovial Seven, Pure Hyaluronic Acid, Hyalogic, 1 oz.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been proven by numerous medical studies to alleviate pain and suffering from arthritis of the knee and other joints.Taurine, Free Form, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Taurine is a conditionally essential amino acid which is not utilized in protein synthesis, but is mainly found free in most tissues, especially throughout the nervous system.Visi Clear With Lutein, Bilberry, Zeaxanthin & Lycopene, 60 Caps
Visi Clear Eye Vitamin with Lutein and Bilberry is one of the few products that provide both lutein and whole kale and Zeaxanthin, another powerful carotenoid, to maximize antioxidant activity.Vision Formula With Lutein & Bilberry, Eye Supplement, 60 Caps
Vision formula with Lutein & Bilberry Eye Supplement supports normal eye function by utilizing Lutein, a key carotenoid found in fruits and vegetables, which protects the retina by blocking harmful blue light.Vitamin A, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels
Nature's Way Vitamin A is 100% natural from fish liver oil. It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives.Vitamin B-12 Supplements & Products
An assortment of various B-12 products.Zinc Chelate, 100% Natural, Zinc Supplement, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way chelated Zinc supplement is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.
HerbalRemedies: Eye Problem Information
HerbalRemedies: Conjunctivitis Information
HerbalRemedies: Stye Information
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member (such as a child) is having problems distinguishing colors or find colors confusing. This member may need to be tested for color blindness.
You or a family member are having problems with vision and/or you suspect an infection. Call your health care provider immediately if you experience severe eye pain or a sudden change in your vision, such as loss of vision or double vision.
You have any increase of symptoms. You may need frequent changes in your eyeglass prescription. If you have blurred or double vision that develops slowly; are having a problem seeing because of daytime glare or have difficulty driving at night because of glare from headlights, you need to see your health care provider.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. There may be underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Are having vision problems that are affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Call your child's health care provider if your baby does not look directly at or respond readily to faces or large, colorful objects by age 2 to 3 months or if your child scowls, squints, or shields his or her eyes more than expected when in sunlight, or light seems to hurt your child's eyes.
You and your family members should have your eyesight checked regularly by your health care provider to rule out any problems and to receive a prescription for contacts or eyeglasses, if they are needed. Preserve you vision... it is very important.
TYPES OF EYE PROBLEMS & DISORDERS
Maintaining Healthy Eyes
HELPFUL RELATED LINKS
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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