5 “Folk” Methods for Taking Care of Your Eyes

As soon as we feel the symptoms of an illness, we hurry to the pharmacy or to the doctor. Yet not so long ago many complaints were treated at home, with so-called folk remedies. Folk medicine could offer remedies and treatments not only for a cold or an aching stomach, but for the eyes as well.

1. The most reliable way to take care of eye health is a proper diet. Probably nobody needs to be told about the benefits of carrots: they are especially rich in substances that are good for the eyes — lutein and carotenoids, which may help avoid retinal degeneration and cataract. But when eating carrots or drinking their juice, do not forget oil. It is needed so that alpha and beta carotenes turn into vitamin A, which the body can then absorb. Another food for the eyes known to everyone is blueberries. The anthocyanosides they contain ensure good circulation in the capillaries around the eyes. Good circulation ensures a sufficient amount of oxygen, which the eyes need. Bog bilberries have a similar effect. It is also useful for eye health to eat rowan berries, and salads and soups made of young nettle leaves.

2. The modern way of life makes us work long hours at the computer, stare at the television or browse phones with small screens. So it is no surprise that we are often troubled by eye pain. Although it has no direct effect on vision, it shows eye fatigue. Over time, eye fatigue can affect visual acuity. Besides, eye pain also causes headaches, and tired eyes see less clearly. Tired, aching eyes were traditionally treated with herbal compresses, for example of cornflowers. The compress should be kept on the eyes for about 10–20 minutes, lying down with the eyes closed. Instead of herbs you can also use grated apple purée or cool cucumber slices.

3. Eye exercise is no less important. Although this method is also recommended by ophthalmologists, it was known among the people as well. Perhaps it simply was not called exercise. People whose eyes had grown weaker were advised to look at a green meadow for about an hour, with their back turned to the sun. Medically, this method is explained by the fact that it is healthy for the eyes to change accommodation at certain intervals: this way the eye muscles responsible for the curvature of the lens can rest. If we constantly look intently at objects up close, the prolonged strain of the ciliary muscle causes the so-called accommodation spasm (most often in children and teenagers). Looking at a green meadow means looking into the distance. Moreover, because of the anatomical features of the eye, watching the colour green requires the least effort from the eye muscles, unlike watching colours of the red or blue spectrum. All this allows the eye muscles to rest.

4. One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis — inflammation of the conjunctiva. In the past people also treated this complaint with remedies available at home. In the case of conjunctivitis, the most accessible and simplest remedy is compresses of tea bags. Black and green tea contain many bioflavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and fight viruses and bacteria. Chamomile compresses are also suitable. Both green tea and chamomile decoction contain fewer tannins, which help soothe swollen tissues. In such a case you can additionally use a decoction of chickweed or witch hazel.

5. Folk medicine suggests drinking certain herbal infusions to prevent eye problems, as they strengthen vision and eye health. Today, when vision weakens or the eyes are tired, doctors recommend all kinds of food supplements rich in vitamins and microelements, but the old healers recommended natural preventive remedies ripened in nature instead. Here are a few of them:

• 30 g of grated carrots, 30 g of rosehips, 10 g of blackcurrants and 30 g of dried nettles are steeped in 2 glasses of boiling water. Strain after 1 hour. Drink 1/2 glass 3–4 times a day. Strengthens vision, helps fight glaucoma.
• 4–5 bay leaves are steeped in a glass of boiling water. Drink 1/3 of a glass of the infusion three times a day. Strengthens vision.
• Pour a glass of boiling water over 2 teaspoons of calamus root. Keep in a sealed container for two hours, then strain. Drink 1/4 of a glass three times a day, about half an hour before meals.

Folk medicine advice is useful for preventing illness and strengthening eye health, but if you are worried about your vision getting worse, we recommend not to delay and to contact a specialist.