Conjunctivitis: Natural Remedies

Overview of some key prevention and risk factors:

Diet

Prevention

Goat milk yogurt (can also apply as a compress), Friendly Flora

Minerals

Prevention

Ag (Mild Silver Protein topically and internally), Zn (Zinc 50): check zinc level with Zinc sulfate taste test

Risk

Heavy metals

Vitamins

Prevention

A (Mycelized A), B complex, especially B2 (Stamina Plus), C (Triple Ascorbate C) (all: Star Gold)

Risk

Imbalances and deficiencies

Fluids

Prevention

Drink and cook with alkaline Microwater, wash with acid Microwater, use alternating hot & cold compresses of acid Microwater

Risk

Dehydration, constipation, and kidney problems

Herbs & Natural Remedies

Prevention

Topical: Calendula and Hypericum compress, or consider hyssop, flaxseed oil, or German chamomile.

Eyebright (Euphrasia) can be taken internally as well as used to make eyedrops. Consider herbal antimicrobials barberry (Berberis), echinacea, and goldenseal (Hydrastis), as well as witch hazel (Hamamelis) and Cleavers (Gallium aparine). The Chinese herbal formula is Ming Mu Di Huang Wan (Lycii Rehmannia formula plus Red Peony, Tribulus fruit and Halilotis Shell); also Honeysuckle (Lonicerae japonicae), Calendula and Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) leaf

Risk

Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, but may have undesirable side effects (instead, consider Shields Up or Mild Silver Protein, while replacing beneficial bacteria with Friendly Flora)

Homeopathy

Prevention

Consider Aconite, Argentum nit., Belladonna, Euphrasia, Pulsatilla, and Rhus tox. See full report for remedy differentials. Also, consider Similisan #1 or #2.

Environment

Prevention

Full-spectrum light (Ott lights), cleaned and enriched air with negative ions and energized oxygen (Oxozone)

Risk

Petrochemicals, smoke, toxins, irritants, allergens (air & food: use AllerFree and Food Tolerance when exposed)

Hygiene

Prevention

Use High Performance Hygiene system [no longer available] for cleaning fingernails, eyes, nasal passages and face.

Health Factors

Risk

Skin, blepharitis, dandruff, dehydration, constipation, liver, fat metabolism, kidneys, heavy metal toxicity

Conjunctivitis

Environment

Sensitivity or over-exposure to petrochemicals, tobacco smoke, and other toxins, irritants, and allergens (including foods) can cause darkness (‘allergic shiners’), swelling, and redness of the eyelids. These symptoms may also get worse sometimes before they improve upon withdrawal of the offending substances. Associated symptoms may include photophobia, blurry or dim vision, excessive tearing, itching, and conjunctivitis.

Diet

Eating goat milk yogurt as well as applying yogurt as a poultice to the eyes has been recommended for conjunctivitis. The friendly flora in yogurt or in supplements of beneficial bacteria competes with pathogenic bacteria. Supplementation of friendly flora is recommended 3 times a day. If a capsule form is used, open the capsule in the mouth.

Nutrition

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is needed to promote the health of all epithelial tissues, including the conjunctiva. Lemongrass is a valuable herbal source of vitamin A. Mycelized (water-soluble) vitamin A is very helpful in restoring optimum levels of vitamin A. Vitamin A in eyedrop form helps to stimulate restoration of normal mucin levels in the tears to coat, soothe and protect the conjunctival cells from damage by dryness or airborne allergens and toxins

B Complex

Vitamin B complex has been recommended for conjunctivitis since it can be triggered by a deficiency of vitamin B2, and supplementation of the entire B complex increases the availability of vitamin B2 without inducing deficiencies of other B vitamins. For specific deficiency of vitamin B2, a product called B complex #2 is available with relatively higher levels of this vitamin, yet with a full range of B vitamins. I like using an activated B complex, in which the vitamins are included in their phosphorylated biologically active co-enzyme forms. Otherwise, supplementation of a standard USP vitamin form alone may not activate enzyme pathways when there are deficiencies of a cofactor such as Magnesium, or enzyme blockages due to intracellular heavy metals or other key toxins. Magnesium is the most common macromineral deficiency in modern culture since farmers keep mining this mineral out of the soils, but no longer resupply it by the traditional practice of spreading manure.

For example, in one case of recurrent conjunctivitis followed by retractible iritis, apparently triggered by exposure to citrus fruits, a high intake of vitamin B6 had been medically prescribed. Increasing the dosage of the entire B complex including B2, while adjusting the dosage of the vitamin B6 capsules to maintain the prescribed level of this vitamin resulted in resolution of conjunctivitis within 24 hours and prevention of the previous pattern of iritis which had been resistant to treatment even with heavy steroids.

Water

Acid microwater produced by ionization of filtered tap water is a safe and effective anti-microbial approach. Hospitals in Japan using this technology for over 30 years find that it completely replaces the need for topical antibiotics.

Herbs

Dosages given here for herbs are for an adult. Dosages for children would need to be adjusted according to body weight. Itallicized herbs are potentially toxic, so dosages should be carefully monitored, or non-toxic homeopathic potencies used instead.

Some herbs suggested for first aid use in eye infection and inflammation include Aloe vera juice, an eye-wash compounded from red raspberry, eyebright, and passionflower, an elderflower eye-wash, a combination of herbs with echinacea and goldenseal, a compress of chamomile and elderflowers, a witch hazel and rosemary combination, and parsley root taken internally.

The pulp of the green pod of the Acacia shrub (gum arabic) is applied to sores in the corner of the eye.

For ophthalmia with rheumatic, itching pains, and diffused inflammation Aconitum napellus (toxic), also known as monkshood, has been used in conjunction with Spigelia marilandica. The adult dosage of aconitum fluid extract is 1/4 to 2 minims taken orally 3 to 4 times a day. Spigelia is taken orally as a fluid extract, 1/4 to 1 dram, 3 or 4 times a day. Both aconitum and spigelia are widely available in homeopathic form.

Ophthalmia is treated with Anemone Pulsatilla (windflower, toxic) at an oral dose of 5 to 10 minims, 3 to 4 times a day. Pulsatilla is used frequently as a homeopathic remedy (non-toxic) for changeable symptoms.

For pink eye, a poultice of grated apple may be applied to the eyes for 20 minutes daily.

Atropa belladonna (toxic), also called deadly nightshade, has been used at a dosage of 1/4 to 1 minim (root extract) or 1 to 3 minims (extract of leaves) taken up to 3 or 4 times a day for the first stage of conjunctivitis and ophthalmia accompanied typically by headache and eye pain. Atropine is still in clinical use by eye doctors as an eye drop medication but has rather severe side effects. Belladonna is also one of the most widely used homeopathic remedies for acute conditions and is non-toxic and free of side effects in the homeopathic dilutions used.

Chronic catarrhal eye inflammation is treated with Berberis vulgaris fluid extract taken internally 1/2 to 1 dram 3 to 4 times a day. Berberis, or barberry, contains seven alkaloids including berberine and hydrastine which have immune-stimulating and anti-bacterial properties. Berberine increases macrophage activity. Berberine’s antibiotic effects have been tested successfully on many species of bacteria, fungi, and amoebas. Studies on rats also show berberine’s antipyretic effect to be 3 times that of aspirin.

Mild conjunctival inflammation may be treated with fluid extract of Calendula officinalis, a type of marigold, both topically and orally, with internal doses of 1/4 to 1 dram taken 3 to 4 times a day. Ophthalmia is also treated with topical calendula.

One drop of spirit of camphor (Camphora officinalis) may be diluted in a teaspoon of evaporated milk, and the mixture applied one drop twice a day topically for eye infections. Camphor can inactivate homeopathic remedies.

The botanical name for clarry sage means clear eye because of the traditional use of mucilage from soaking the seeds in treating eye inflammation.

Claviceps purpurea has been used topically for conjunctival congestion, follicular conjunctival inflammation, and corneal inflammation in fluid extract form.

Ophthalmia has been treated by Delphinium staphysagria (toxic, also known as stavesacre) fluid extract taken internally at a dose of 1/2 to 1 minim 3 to 4 times a day. Staphysagria is also available as a non-toxic homeopathic remedy.

Dicentra canadensis has been used for corneal ulcer associated with syphylis at an oral dosage of 1/2 to 1 dram 3 to 4 times a day.

Ulcerative conjunctivitis has been treated topically with Eucalyptus globulus fluid extract or oil.

Conjunctivitis accompanied by a great deal of congestion, photophobia and acrid excoriating lachrymation which causes the eyelids to swell and ulcerate is the clinical picture which indicates the use of Euphrasia officinalis. This popular herb, also known as eye-bright, is taken at a dosage of 1/2 to 1 dram of fluid extract 3 to 4 times a day. Euphrasia is also used topically to treat inflammation and accompanying discharges, such as acute, catarrhal, mucus sticking on the cornea, mucoid inflammation with abundant lachrymation, as well as discharges accompanied by heat and pain in frontal sinus. After topical application, the volatile oil of this herb is activated by sunlight, working not only in the conjunctiva, but throughout the anterior chambers of the eye.

Purulent inflammation and ophthalmia have been treated topically with the fluid extract of the leaves of Hamamelis virginiana(witchhazel). Hamamelis is also available as a homeopathic ointment for topical use.

Scrofulous ophthalmia has been treated with Helianthemum canadense (rockrose, or Cistus canadensis) at an oral dosage of 1/2 to 1 dram taken 3 to 4 times a day.

Hydrastis canadensis, or goldenseal, is often taken internally at a dosage of 15 to 60 minims of fluid extract 3 to 4 times a day for conjunctival diseases. It is considered one of the premier herbal antibiotics, containing both hydrastine and berberine (see Berberis in this section). It is often used in conjunction with oral doses of Echinacea species. Hydrastis is also recommended for topical application of the fluid extract in ophthalmia, acute and subacute conjunctival inflammation, follicular inflammation of the conjunctiva and superficial corneal ulcers.

Conjunctival inflammation can be treated topically with Hyssopus officinalis (hyssop) fluid extract. The use of hyssop is even documented in the bible.

Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) oil may be dropped in the eyes for eye infection.

Conjunctival disease in general may be treated with Lysimachia vulgaris, taken internally. This herb is also called loosestrife.

It has been said that Mandrake (May Apple) has been used to treat eye inflammation, however caution is urged since the resin causes severe irritation of the mucus membranes, especially of the eyes.

Catarrhal conjunctivitis from colds is treated internally with Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) fluid extract, 1/4 to 1 dram, 3 to 4 times a day.

Nymphaea odorata (water pond lily) is used to treat general inflammation of the eyes, applied topically as a fluid extract.

Papyrus was used in ancient times as an eye compress, mixed with other herbs.

Phytolacca decandra fluid extract treats granular conjunctival inflammation, taken internally at a dose of 1/2 to 1 dram (berries) or 15 to 30 minims (root). A low potency homeopathic dose of phytolacca, such as 3X may be preferred due to potential toxicity, however. Phytolacca oil is also available for topical application.

Early stages of phlyctenular and corneal inflammation has been treated with topical Pilocarpus jaborandi fluid extract. This remedy has also been recommended for internal use in inflammation of the sclera at a dosage of 10 to 30 minims 3 or 4 times a day. Pilocarpine is a commercial available drug isolate prescribed as an eye drop by doctors, but significant side effects frequently weigh against its use.

General inflammation of the eyes has been treated with Piscidia Erythrina (Jamaica dogwood, toxic) fluid extract, 5 to 20 minims, 3 to 4 times a day taken orally.

Purslane, a mucilaginous herb which is also a rich source of vitamin C, was used by early Christians to treat eye inflammation. Grind the stems and squeeze out the juice, placing it in the shade mixed with a little gum to make an ointment.

A tea made from dried quince seeds, 1/4 teaspoon to a 1/2 cup of boiling water, has been recommended for topical application in eye infection. After cooling, one drop is instilled in each eye twice a day for a week.

Catarrhal eye inflammation of scrofulous children with inflamed eyelids, sandy sensations in the eyes, ophthalmia and acute as well as subacute conjunctival inflammation may all be treated with Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy, toxic) fluid extract taken 5 to 20 minims, 3 or 4 times a day. Rhus tox. is a commonly prescribed homeopathic remedy and is non-toxic in this form.

General inflammation of the eyes may be treated with Salvia scalea taken orally.

Sambucus nigra (elder) flowers are used to make a soothing eyewash.

Acute eye inflammation can be treated topically with fluid extract of Sassafras officinale fluid extract or oil.

Senecio jacobaea, also called ragweed, fluid extract is used topically to treat general inflammation of the eyes.

General inflammation of the eyes has also been treated externally with Sesamum indicum (sesame).

General inflammation of the eyes has also been treated topically with Stellaria media (common chickweed). Chickweed contains bioflavonoids, plant steroids and coumarins, plus Vitamins A, B complex and C as well as minerals calcium, iron, molybdenum, phosphorus, sodium and zinc.

Conjunctival inflammation presenting with coryza, frontal headache and sneezing has been treated with Sticta pulmonaria fluid extract, taken internally at a dosage of 1/2 to 1 dram 3 to 4 times a day.

Tagetes minuta is used by the Chinese to treat sore eyes.

Conjunctivitis due to trachoma of the eyelids is treated orally with Thuja occidentalis (yellow or white cedar, also known as arbor-vitae, which means tree of life) fluid extract, taken 15 to 60 minims, 3 or 4 times a day. Thuja is also used topically to treat granular inflammation. Thuja is available in homeopathic potencies as well.

Grapevine juice (Vitis vinifera) has been applied topically in single drop doses to clear redness from the eyes.

One source offers a sample herbal eyewash formula containing a number of herbs. These are eyebright, bilberry, passion flower, golden seal root, plantain, alfalfa, rosemary and red raspberry in a base of aloe very juice or diluted aloe vera gel. This type of combination herbal eyewash is suggested by that author for a wide range of vision and eye health problems.

Homeopathy

Many of the herbs described above are also available and useful in homeopathic dosage forms. Several common homeopathic remedies suggested for first aid use include Aconite 30C for conjunctivitis secondary to injury or exposure to cold, Argentum nitricum 6C for conjunctivitis with copious discharge, and Euphrasia 6C when there is little to no discharge. The appropriate remedy is suggested at hourly dosage intervals for up to 10 doses before consulting a professional if improvement is not seen. Euphrasia mother tincture, 10 drops, can also be added to 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 pint of warm water to make a soothing eye wash no matter what has caused the irritation. This eyewash can be applied every 4 hours up to 4 times a day, being careful about hygiene so that infectious organisms, if present, are not spread to others.

In the appropriate homeopathic dose, a remedy relieves symptoms which it can cause in overdose. For example, the herb Chionanthus virginica (or americana), or fringetree bark, can cause sore eyes in overdose, and thus as a homeopathic (non-toxic) dosage it can stimulate responses in the body which alleviate the symptom of sore eyes.

Some of the most commonly prescribed classical homeopathic remedies for conjunctivitis include Acetic acid (HC2H3O2), Aconitum napellus (monk’s hood), Alumina (clay, Al(OH)3), Antimonium crudum (antimony sulfide, Sb2S3), Apis mellifica(honey bee), Argentum nitricum (silver nitrate, AgNO3), Arsenicum album (arsenic oxide, As2O3), Aurum metallicum (gold, Au), Baryta Iodata (barium iodide, BaI2), Belladonna (deadly nightshade), Calcarea carbonica (calcium carbonate, CaCO3), Calcarea iodata (calcium iodide, CaI2), Calcarea hypophosphorosa (calcium hypophosphite, Ca(PO2)2), Calcarea sulphurica (calcium sulphate, CaSO4), Causticum (potassium hydrate), Cepa (allium cepa, or red onion), Chamomilla (chamomile), Cinnabar (mercuric sulfide, HgS), Clematus erecta (virgin’s bower), Conium maculatum (poison hemlock), Croton tilglium (croton oil), Duboisia myoporoides (cork wood tree), Euphrasia officinalis (eyebright),Ferrum phosphoricum (iron phosphate), Graphites (graphite, C),Hepar sulphuris calcarea (impure calcium sulfide, CaS, made using oyster shells), Ipecacuanha, Kali bichromicum (potassium dichromate, K2Cr2O7), Kali iodata (potassium iodide, KI), Kreosotum (creosote), Lachesis mutus (bushmaster snake venom),Mercurius solubilis (mercury, Hg), Mercurius sublimatus corrosivus (mercuric chloride, HgCl2), Mercurius dulcis (mercurous chloride, Hg2Cl2), Mercurius nitricus (mercury nitrate, Hg(NO3)2), Mercurius precipitatus ruber (mercurius oxydatus), Mercurius protoiodatus (mercurous iodide, Hg2I2), Natrium muriaticum(sodium chloride, NaCl), Nitric acid (HNO3), Nux vomica (poison nut), Phytolacca decandra (pokeweed), Pulsatilla (wind flower), Radium (radium bromide, RaBr2), Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy), Sanguinarea canadensis (blood root), Sepia (cuttle fish ink), Sulphur (S), Terebenthina (turpentine), Thuja occidentalis and Zincum metallicum (zinc, Zn).

For conjunctival injection (i.e. congestion) consider Aconitum napellus, Alumina, Apis mellifica, Baryta carbonica, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Chloralum (chloral hydrate), Croton tiglium, Glonoin (Nitroglycerine, C3H5(NO3)3), Hyoscyamus niger (henbane), Ipecacuanha, Kali bichromicum, Mercurialis perennis (dog’s mercury), Mezerium (mezereon), Natrum arsenicosum (sodium arsenite, Na2HAsO4 + 7 H2O), Nux vomica, Petroleum, Sepia, Stramonium (Datura stramonium, jimson weed), Sulphur and Thuja occidentalis.

Diagnosing specific categories of conjunctivitities can help in remedy selection. For example, croupous conjunctivitis is treated with homeopathic Acetic acid. Phlyctenular conjunctivitis or keratitis may be treated with Antimonium crudum, Antimonium tartaricum (antimony sulfide, Sb2S3), Apis mellifica, Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Baryta carbonica (barium carbonate, BaCO3), Baryta iodata, Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea hypophosphorosa, Calcarea iodata, Calcarea picrica, Calcarea sulphurica, Chamomilla, Conium maculatum, Croton tiglium, Euphrasia, Graphites, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Ipecacuanha, Kali bichromicum, Lachesis mutus, Mercurius solubilis, Mercurius corrosivus, Mercurius dulcis, Mercurius nitricus, Mercurius protoiodatus, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla,Ranunculus bulbosus (buttercup), Rhus toxicodendron, Sepia, Sulphur and Thuja occidentalis.

Pustular conjunctivitis or keratitis may be treated with Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum album, Calcarea carbonica, Calcarea iodata, Calcarea sulphurica, Cannabis sativa (hemp: this non-toxic homeopathic is not available in the U.S. at this time), Conium maculatum, Croton tiglium, Graphites, Hepar sulphuris calcarea, Ipecacuanha, Kali bichromicum, Mercurius solubilis, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron, Sepia, Sulphur and Tellurium metallicum.

Infection of the eye involving syphilis has been treated with Arsenicum album, Asafoetida, Aurum metallicum, Cinnabar, Hepar sulphuris calcareum, Kali iodatum, Mercurius solubilis, Mercurius protoiodatus, Mercurius sublimatus corrosivus,Nitric acid, Staphysagria and Thuja occidentalis.

Trachoma is commonly treated with Alumina, Argentum nitricum, Aurum metallicum, Kali bichromicum, Mercurius solubilis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus toxicodendron and Sulphur. Less frequently used are Aconitum napellus, Alumen, Arsenicum album, Belladonna, Calcarea carbonica, Chininum muriaticum (quinine hydrochlorate, C20H24N2O2HCl + 2 H20), Cuprum metallicum, Euphrasia, Sepia and Thuja occidentalis.

Complex homeopathy for conjunctivitis may include Oculoheel, 1 tablet 3 times a day. Other complexes from the same source to consider include Belladonna-Homaccord for severe inflammation, Mercurius-Heel for suppurative inflammation, Apis-Homaccord for edemetous swelling, Traumeel tablets for antisuppurative and antiphlogistic support, and Traumeel salve to be applied topically to the skin in the eye area. Other remedies which may be used include Euphrasia-Injeel (for photophobia) mixed or alternating with Aethiops antimonialis-Injeel. Crocus-Injeel (forte) is indicated for burning of the eyes after reading for a short time. Croton tiglium-Injeel (forte) is used for epiphora and photophobia. Juglans-Injeel (forte) is used for chronic gonorrheal infection in the eye. Ruta-Injeel is helpful for eye strain. Mucosa compositum may also be used once a week.

Similisan #1 for dry, red eyes, #2 for allergic irritation and #3 for computer vision syndrom and eye fatigue are homeopathic complexes available over the counter. Similisan #1 contains Belladonna 6X, Euphrasia 6X and Mercurius sublimatus 6X. Similisan #2 for itching, burning and watering eyes contains Apis 6X, Euphrasia 6X, Sabadilla 6X and Silver as a natural preservative. Similisan #3 contains Conium maculatum 6X, Natrium muriaticum 6X, Ruta graveolens 6X and Senega officinalis 6X, again with Silver as the preservative.

Another source of complex homeopathic remedies suggests consideration of Pulsatilla 200C for two doses as well as complexes such as Anti-Inflammation as well as Ear, Eye, Sinuses.

Homeopathic nosodes are non-toxic preparations derived from pathogens or diseased tissue. They may be used effectively based on homeopathic principles of similarity of symptoms independent of the cause of the condition, as well as in cases presenting a prior history of that disease vector as the etiology of a condition. Nosodes are suggested only when working in conjunction with an experienced practitioner. Psorinum is suggested for conjunctivitis with copious tears accompanied by a feeling of sand and burning in the eyes, as well as photophobia and blepharitis. Coxsackie-Virus B4 is considered in conditions affecting avascular tissue such as the cornea (and lens), while Coxsackie-Virus A9 can be related to conjunctivitis. Psoriasis nosode should be considered not only in cases of ocular surface disease associated with psoriasis, but also with eczema, lupus, dermatomycosis, neurodermatitis and scleroderma. Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis with photophobia can be treated by Tuberculinum. For eruption of pustule-like blisters on the eyelids or conjunctiva, use the Variolinum nosode. Basic nosodes such as pneumococcus, influenzinum, staphylococcinum and streptococcinum (or streptococcus hemolyticus or streptococcus viridans) should also be considered, but only with guiding symptoms or history, and not on the basis of current etiology alone. This would be considered isopathy rather than homeopathy, which increases the risk of strong aggravation of symptoms (healing crisis).

Several homeopathics should be considered for first aid in corneal ulcers, and taken hourly for up to 10 doses to assist any other medication prescribed by a doctor. These include Hepar sulph. 6C as the first remedy to try. If the problem was triggered by heat or a burn and is accompanied by a burning discharge, try Mercurius solubilis 6C. With thick yellow or green discharges from the eye but no burning, think of Pulsatilla 6C. If these remedies have failed and there is sever pain and photophobia with a yellow discharge and inflammation of the lids which tend to stick together, try Rhus toxicodendron 6C. Extreme photophobia and tearing together with swelling of lymph nodes in the neck are indications to try Conium 6C. If there is nausea accompanying the problem try Ipecac. 6C.

Additional remedies commonly used for corneal ulcers include Argentum nitricum (occasionally used in sloughing ulcers),Arsenicum album (for superficial or vascular ulcers), Aurum metallicum (for vascular ulcers), Belladonna (for superficial ulcers),Calcarea carbonica (deep and occasionally in sloughing ulcers),Calcarea hypophosphorosa (in sloughing, deep, asthenic and crescentic cases), Calcarea iodata (for superficial ulcers), Chamomilla (for superficial ulcers), Chininum arsenicosum (quinine arsenite, (C20H24N2O2)3H3As2O3 + 3 H20), Chininum muriaticum (in malarial cases), Cinnabar, Conium maculatum (for nonvascular superficial corneal ulcers), Graphites (for both deep and superficial ulcers), Hepar sulphuris calcarea (deep sloughingor vascular ulcers), Ipecacuanha (for superficial and vascularulcers), Kali bichromicum (deep or perforating indolent nonvascular ulcers with a yellowish base), Lachesis mutus (superficial ulcers), Mercurius sublimatus corrosivus (for both deep and superficial vascular ulcers), Mercurius dulcis (for both deep and superficial ulcers), Mercurius nitricus (mercury nitrate, Hg(HO3)2, for deep or superficial ulcers), Mercurius precipitatus ruber, Mercurius protoiodatus (for superficial, marginal and serpigenousulcers), Natrum muriaticum (for superficial ulcers), Nux vomica (for superficial ulcers), Pulsatilla (for nonvascular, superficial corneal ulcers), Rhus toxicodendron (for superficial ulcers), Silicea (for crescentic or small round, central, nonvascular and sloughing ulcers including those that perforate the cornea), Spigelia (for superficial ulcers), Sulphur (deep or perforating, nonvascular or vascular, small round, indolent, sloughing ulcers) and Thuja occidentalis (for superficial ulcers). Lesser prescribed remedies for corneal ulceration include Alumina, Apis mellifica (for vascular ulcers), Arnica montana (leopard’s bane), Asafoetida, Baryta carbonica (for superficial ulcers), Baryta Iodata, Cannabis sativa (for vascular ulcers), Cedron (simaba cedron or rattlesnake bean, used for malarial ulcers), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh, used for superficial ulcers), Croton tiglium (for superficial ulcers), Cundurango (condor plant, for superficial ulcers), Duboisia myoporoides, Euphrasia (for superficial ulcers), Ferrum phosphoricum (for vascular ulcers), Ignatia amara (St. Ignatius’ bean), Kali carbonicum (for indolent round ulcers), Kali iodatum, Kali muriaticum (for indolent superficial and vascular ulcers with a yellowish base), Kreosotum, Mercurius biniodatus (mercuric iodide, HgI2), Mercurius solubilis (for superficial vascular ulcers), Natrum carbonicum (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3 + 10 H2O, used for superficial ulcers), Nitric acid (for perforating ulcers), Petroleum, Sanguinarea canadensis, Secale cornutum (ergot), Senega and Sepia.

Herpes simplex nosode may be used for dendritic corneal ulcers, while the nosode Herpes Zoster may be used for zoster-like eruptions in and around the eye as well as post-herpetic neuralgia. Additional remedies for herpes zoster ophthalmicus outbreaks frequently include Croton tiglium, Ranunculus bulbosus and Rhus toxicodendron, while less often Arsenicum album, Cantharis, Graphites, Mercurius solubilis and Pulsatilla. Chronic conjunctivitis with eye pain and difficulty sleeping between midnight and 6 a.m. can be treated with the nosode Luesinum (syphylis). This may be accompanied by ptosis and a sleepy appearance. Morbillinum (measles) nosode is useful for conjunctivitis with photophobia and a swollen face. Conjunctivitis may also be related to the nosode Salmonella typhi.

Parenchymatous keratitis may be treated with Apis mellifica, Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Baryta iodata, Calcarea phosphorica and other Calcarea remedies, Cannabis sativa, Ferrum phosphoricum, Hepar sulphuris calcarea, Kali iodata, Kali muriaticum and other Kali remedies, Mercurius solubilis and other Mercurius remedies, Sepia and Sulphur.

Episcleritis and scleritis may be treated by homeopathic remedies including Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel), Mercurius solubilis, Sepia and Thuja occidentalis. Less frequently used remedies include Aconite napellus, Aurum metallicum, Cinnabar, Cocculus indicus (Indian cockle), Nux moschata (nutmeg), Pulsatilla, Spigelia (pink root), Terebinthina and Sulphur.

For aqueous flare use Crotalis horridus.