Our eyes are one of the most important organs in the body, yet they often don’t get the attention they deserve. From conjunctivitis to digital eye strain, maintaining healthy eyes requires a holistic approach, including proper nutrition, herbal remedies, and natural treatments. I think there isn’t enough appreciation for how much naturopathy can contribute to healthy eyes and address common concerns naturally. Hopefully this blog changed that!

Conjunctivitis: Natural Remedies for Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge.

• Dietary Support: Increase vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, capsicum, and leafy greens to support immune function. Focusing on diet will benefit your child’s health (and their school or daycare attendance!) so a winner overall
• Herbs we love for this: Echinacea and elderberry can help fight viral or bacterial infections. Our qualified Naturopaths can formulate a bespoke herbal blend especially for your child. We use a lot of glycetracts, so the herbs don’t taste too bad, and often children are happy to take them as they know they will make them feel better. A cooled tea infusion of chamomile or eyebright can be used as an eye wash to soothe inflammation and irritation. We source the highest quality herbal teas to use with our clients.

When the Whites of Your Eyes Aren’t White

A slight yellowing or dullness in the whites of the eyes can indicate poor liver function, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies.

• Liver Support for kids: Bitter herbs such as dandelion root and milk thistle help detoxify the liver, which in turn can brighten the eyes. These are very safe, even for very young kids. If you are concerned about your child’s liver health, we do recommend you speak to your GP about getting their liver function checked on bloods.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and herbal teas helps flush toxins.
• Essential Nutrients: Vitamin A, found in foods such as liver and eggs, supports clear and healthy eyes. Beta carotene, the presursor to Vitamin A is found in carrots and sweet potatoes.

Blepharitis: Managing Eyelid Inflammation Naturally

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelids, often linked to bacterial overgrowth or blocked oil glands.

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reduce processed foods and increase omega-3-rich foods like flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish. Moving your child away from processed foods and towards a style of eating more like the Meditarranean diet that focuses on whole foods, will benefit their eyes and overall health.
• Herbal Support: Turmeric and calendula have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce eyelid irritation. Try a turmeric latte instead of a hot chocolate.
• Natural Cleansing: A warm compress with a diluted tea tree oil solution can help clear blocked oil glands and soothe inflammation. Manuka honey is a messy but affective treatment too!

Chalazion: Natural Treatment for Eyelid Cysts

A chalazion is a small cyst that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland, leading to swelling and tenderness. It’s best to confirm this diagnosis with a GP.

• Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress several times a day can help unblock the gland and reduce swelling.
• Anti-Inflammatory Herbs: Calendula and chamomile can be used as a warm tea infusion for gentle eyelid cleansing.
• Internal Support: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed can help regulate oil production and prevent blockages. It basically makes the oil runnier so it doesn’t get blocked.

Near-Sightedness (Myopia) and Far-Sightedness (Hyperopia)

Refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia are influenced by genetics, eye strain, and nutrient deficiencies. Your child may well need glasses, but you can slow down the eyes deterioration by focusing on adding the right herbs and nutrients.

• Key Nutrients for Eye Health:
  • Vitamin A: Essential for night vision (found in cod liver oil and eggs).
  • Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Found in kale, spinach, and egg yolks, these carotenoids protect the retina.
  • Zinc: Supports retinal health and is found in meat and shellfish.
• Herbal Support: Bilberry enhances circulation to the eyes and may help with visual clarity.

Eye Strain from Screens: Reducing Digital Fatigue Naturally

With increased screen time, digital eye strain has become a common issue, leading to dry eyes, headaches, and blurry vision.

• Blue Light Protection: Lutein and zeaxanthin help protect the eyes from blue light damage.
• 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax eye muscles.
• Herbal Support: Eyebright, bilberry and ginkgo biloba improve circulation and reduce fatigue.
• Hydrating Eye Wash: A rose water or chamomile tea rinse can soothe dry, strained eyes.

Itchy Eyes from Allergies: Natural Relief

Seasonal allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes due to histamine reactions.

• What to eat: Reduce inflammatory foods like dairy and sugar while increasing quercetin-rich foods (onions, apples, berries) to naturally stabilize histamine levels. You can also take a quercetin supplement.
• Herbal Internal Support: Nettle tea acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing allergy symptoms. If you can find nettle growing near you which you are sure hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides (as it is considered a weed) you can pick it and brew your own!
• Herbal Eye Wash: A saline rinse or chamomile tea wash can relieve irritation and flush out allergens.

Final Thoughts on Naturopathy for Healthy Eyes

Maintaining healthy eyes goes beyond just vision correction—it involves supporting the body from within. A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and herbal remedies can help keep eyes strong and resilient. Whether dealing with infections, inflammation, or digital strain, natural approaches can provide effective relief and long-term benefits for healthy eyes.

If you or your child struggle with eye health issues, consider a holistic consultation to support optimal vision and well-being naturally!