Homeopathic Remedies for Eye Strain and Eye Injuries
Long hours staring at a computer screen, reading, writing, doing beadwork, sewing, tying
flies, repairing electronics equipment, or any close and detailed work can lead to eye strain
from overuse. Soreness of the muscles around the eyeballs, weak or blurry vision, burning,
watering, and oversensitivity to light are common symptoms. Discomfort from minor eye
irritations (from smoke, pollutants, smog, or pollens), slight abrasions (from contact lenses,
sand, or dirt), or bruising injuries can also often be relieved with homeopathy. If any eye
has undergone a traumatic injury, or if any symptoms are unusual or distressing, see a
physician right away.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Aconitum napellus: This remedy may bring relief when foreign matter gets into the
eye and causes irritation. The person feels fearful and agitated — with eye pain, heavy
watering, and heightened sensitivity to light.
Apis mellifica: This remedy can be helpful if the eyelids and surrounding areas get
very puffy and tender, with burning or stinging pain that cold applications partially relieve.
Apis can also be useful after overexposure to very bright light (looking at snow in
bright sunlight or sun reflecting off the water for long periods, driving into the sun, etc.)
when the eyes feel sore and oversensitive.
Argentum nitricum: Aching from overuse or detailed work, relieved by closing the
eyes or pressing on them, suggests a need for this remedy. The muscles around the eyes feel
weak and the person is unable to keep them focused and steady. The whites or corners often
look inflamed. Being in an overheated room may aggravate the symptoms.
Arnica: This remedy can bring relief to a person with a bruised, sore feeling in the
eyes after closely-focused work or from looking into the distance (sightseeing, watching
movies, etc. ) The person may feel a need to keep the eyes open, getting dizzy when closing
them.
Kali phosphoricum: This remedy can be helpful when exhaustion from illness,
overwork, or stress has led to eyestrain. The eyes feel very tired and the vision seems
blurred and weak. A person who needs this remedy often startles easily and is oversensitive to
light.
Kalmia latifolia: Great stiffness felt in the eyes and eyelids, worse when moving
the eyes, suggests a need for this remedy. The vision may seem to be impaired or weak. A
person who needs this remedy may also have nerve pains in the face and teeth, or joint and
muscle stiffness that shifts from place to place.
Natrum muriaticum: This remedy may be useful if extended periods of reading or doing
schoolwork have led to a weak, bruised feeling in the eyes. The muscles around the eyeballs
can feel weak and stiff, and the letters on a page may appear to run together. The eyelids
feel heavy, and the person may be inclined toward headaches.
Ruta graveolens: This remedy is often indicated for eyestrain caused by overuse.
Stiffness and pain can lead to headaches, and soreness and pressure are felt behind the
eyeballs. The eyes may become inflamed and swollen, with heavy watering and oversensitivity to
light. The person may also have problems with focusing the eyes or accommodating to changes in
brightness.
Symphytum: This is an important remedy when the eyeball has been bruised or injured
by a blow from a blunt object (for example a tool-handle, baseball, or rock). Injuries to the
eyeball can be serious, and should always be examined by a doctor.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.