The EYES ARE YOUR WINDOW TO THE WORLD.....
Eye injury or inflammation should be treated with great caution and possibly a veterinary discussion prior to commencing any remedial approach. However homeopathy can and does offer much hope where conventional medicine finds some eye conditions difficult or expensive difficult to treat.
Tear stripes
These may develop because the tears can no longer be drained through the naso-lachrymal ducts into the nose, thus spilling over from the corner of the eye to form the dark wet stripes on the coat. If due to a blocked duct the vet may be able to flush these out. If tear production has increased it may be due to an irritation such as conjunctivitis. These tear stains do not have an adverse affect on the eye itself. Apart from some of the homeopathic remedies discussed below, I find that by adding omega 3, 6 and 9s’ to the diet (often these dogs are on a dried kibble), these tear stripes often disappear completely which leads to considering a dietary deficiency as another possible cause.
Kali bich – this remedy reduces the viscosity of secretions, useful if the naso- lachrymal duct is blocked by a sticky discharge. Often this discharge is yellow and ropy.
Silicea – this is a great remedy where adhesions have developed from a chronic infection of the tear duct.
If the Lachrymal Puncta (opening in the lower lid) is affected Cinnabaris is of great value long term. This remedy also covers lids that are red and painful and granulated in appearance.
Dry Eye
This is known technically as Keratitis Sicca. False tears are an essential immediate first aid to prevent damage to the cornea. Remedies that I have found useful include Zincum met, Senega and Nat Mur, whichever one suits your dog best. This often averts surgical intervention.
Entropian
Long term treatment using the homeopathy Borax is the prime choice. Where inflammation of the lids has caused swelling leading to inturned eyelids consider the remedy Tellurium.
Conjunctivits
Possible causes include a bacterial or viral infection, injury such as a cat scratch, foreign body, allergy, winds or chemical exposure. Symptoms include increased tear production, a watery or purulent discharge, redness and swelling. Most cases of conjunctivitis can be treated with cooled boiled water with the addition of the herbs Euphrasia (Eyebright) or / and Calendula. No alcohol in this please!
Aconite is a useful homeopathic remedy for the conjunctivitis dog that sticks his head out the car window.
Allergic conjunctivitis responds to Allium cepa in combination with Euphrasia.
Internally the herbs Cleavers, Echinacea, Eyebright and Blue Flag support eye health.
Injuries
Lacerations to the eye respond to Staphysagria, puncture wounds to Ledum, use Symphytum if from a blow from a blunt instrument
Cataracts
These are opacity of the lens. Cineraria eye lotion long term is most useful along with Conium for the aged dog. Cineraria can assist in resolving conjunctivitis too.
Lipid Deposits: High-fat diets, diabetes, inherited problems with lipid metabolism (e.g. Min Schnauzer) or hypothyroidism with associated high blood cholesterol levels) may also be a causative factor.
Researchers have linked eye-friendly nutrients, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, to reducing the risk of certain serious eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. You can find these antioxidants in green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and a lot of other foods.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoids, which are pigments produced by plants that give fruits and vegetables a yellow to reddish hue. They’re structurally very similar, with just a slight difference in the arrangement of their atoms. Both are potent antioxidants and offer a range of health benefits. However, lutein and zeaxanthin are best known for protecting your eyes.
Eye ‘foods’ include:
- Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and collards. (cabbage, broccoli)
- Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish.
- Eggs, nuts, beans, and other nonmeat protein sources.
- Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices.
