Joan
|
Okay, now you know.... I've tried a number of alternative treatment methods during the 15 years when I was undiagnosed. Some have been very helpful, and some not at all, but I did find something for my eye problem.
I always hesitate to put things like this on the forum, because everyone reacts differently to meds, but if it might help somebody, that would be great because it's a cheap and effective remedy for me (and I've used it for my family). This is only my experience, and I recommend checking it out thoroughly if you want to use it yourself.
Anway, it's an Ayurvedic eye wash that I use for an occasionally recurring eye problem that sounds very similar to yours. (Same eyelash problem, too) I usually get it when there's a lot of dust or pollen in the air, but also other times, and I'd say I have it about 2-3 times/year.
I was given this by a doctor of Chinese medicine probably 15 years ago, and it's worked well for me ever since. Enough for me for a year is about $2.
It's a powder called Triphala, and I make a tincture out of it by bringing 1/2 tsp. Triphala and 1 c. filtered or distilled water to a boil. I turn it off and let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain it through a coffee filter into a clean jar. When cool, I pour a little into an eye cup and blink in it a few times to get it into my eyes. If I have a bit of swelling, I'll pull out my eyelids to let it get under them. I leave it for a minute or two and blot the excess around the eyes with a soft cloth. It can be used 1-3 times/day. I usually use it twice/day. I would say the longest I've had to use it was probably 4 days to completely clear the problem. It feels astringent, but doesn't burn me really bad or cause any other pain. I suppose if it were a longstanding problem, it might take longer. Wait an hour or so before putting in contacts afterward. And, refrigerate the leftover tincture. When using later, heat only enough to take the chill off.
Of course, I don't know exactly what you have, and am not "prescribing" this, but it's helped me a lot for my itchy, crusty, inflamed, red eye problem. There are a lot of websites that talk about Triphala. Some seem questionable, but there are also reputable sources of info on it. If you decide to try it, I recommend trying it cautiously (more dilute, one eye only or a little drop on inside of lip to make sure you don't adversely react).
Many people take it orally for other purposes, and it's been tested on mice at the NCI as a protective substance for people who've had radiation exposure as well as other things. It's had some in vitro anti-cancer activity. I've never taken it orally, and there are some possible digestive side effects to doing that.
If you're interested, PM me, and I can put you in contact with the person I get it from or you may be able to find an Ayurvedic practitioner in your area who is cautious about sources. It's available in some health food stores, too.
Also, I don't use mascara or other eye makeup while I'm treating myself, and I replace my mascara when I finish the treatment, just as a precaution.
|