Lens of the eye Health Dictionary

Euphrasia. officinalis. N.O. Scrophulariaceae.

Synonym: Birdeye, Brighteye.

Habitat: Plentiful on commons, heaths, and in meadows, as well as on sea cliffs, but varies considerably in growth and development with the richness of the soil.

Features ? The stems are four to six inches long, and under suitable soil conditions, branched below. The lower leaves are opposite each other, and alternate higher up the stem, small, dark green, lanceolate or nearly rhomboid above, deeply cut, proceeding directly from the stem. The flowers are small, axillary, and range in hue between white and purple, while some are delicately variegated with yellow. The taste is bitter, salty and slightly astringent.

Action: Astringent and tonic.

This herb, as its name indicates, is valued mainly as an application in

inflammation and weakness of the eyes, and is frequently combined with Golden Seal to make an excellent lotion for this purpose. A large pinch of the herb should be infused with sufficient boiling water for each application. The eyebath should be freshly filled for each eye, care being taken to strain thoroughly before using the tepid lotion.

Euphrasia is also employed externally to arrest hemorrhages.... eyebright

A spectacle lens in which the upper part is shaped to assist distant vision and the lower part is for close work such as reading.... bifocal lens

See EYE.... eyeball

A fold of tissue at the upper or lower edge of an eye socket.

The eyelids are held in place by ligaments attached to the socket’s bony edges.

They consist of thin plates of fibrous tissue (called tarsal plates) covered by muscle and a thin layer of skin.

The inner layer is covered by an extension of the conjunctiva.

Along the edge of each lid are two rows of eyelashes.

Immediately behind the eyelashes are the openings of the ducts leading from the meibomian glands, which secrete the oily part of the tear film.

The lids act as protective shutters, closing as a reflex action if anything approaches the eye.

They also smear the tear film across the cornea.... eyelid

The internal optical component of the eye responsible for focusing; also called the crystalline lens. It is situated behind the iris and is suspended on delicate fibres from the ciliary body. The lens is elastic, transparent, and slightly less convex on the front surface than on the back. Changing its curvature alters

the focus so that near or distant objects can be seen sharply (see accommodation). Opacification of the lens is called cataract. (See also lens dislocation.)... lens

A plastic prosthesis used to replace the removed opaque lens in cataract surgery.... lens implant

Medic.

Family: Vitaceae.

Habitat: Forests of tropical and subtropical India, from Himalayas as far west as Kumaon, and southwards to the Peninsula.

Ayurvedic: Chhatri, Karkatajihvaa, Kukurjihvaa.

Siddha/Tamil: Nalava, Nyekki, Ottanali.

Folk: Karkani (Maharashtra).

Synonym: L. esculenta Moench.

Family: Papilionaceae; Fabaceae.

Habitat: Native to South West Asia; cultivated as a pulse crop mainly in North India, Madhya Pradesh and some parts of Maharashtra.

English: Lentil.

Ayurvedic: Masura, Masurikaa, Mangalyaa, Mangalyak, Adaasa.

Unani: Masoor.

Siddha: Misurpurpu.

Action: Seeds—mostly used as a pulse. Contain as much as 30% proteins (similar to those of peas and beans). Soup is used in gastric troubles and constipation. Paste or poultice is applied to foul and indolent ulcers.

Dosage: Dried seed—10-20 g. (API, Vol. III.) oil, extracted from the seeds, is similar to olive oil. The seeds possess feeble antimalarial activity. The seed extract showed 100% toxicity against Alternaria alternata and marked toxicity against Aspergillus niger.

Dosage: Root—5-10 g powder. (API, Vol. IV.)... lens culinaris

Also called FLOATERS, these can arise from a variety of causes including in?ammation and bleeding in the eye, or preceding a retina detachment. They may also occur for a variety of totally harmless reasons. (See EYE, DISORDERS OF.)... spots before the eyes

Irritation, soreness, friction, inflammation. “People who use extended- wear soft contact lenses are more likely to develop serious microbial keratitis infection than users of other lenses.” (Research team, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London) Risk of keratitis was seen to increase when soft lenses were worn for more than six days.

Alternatives:– Douche. Simple teas: Fennel or German Chamomile; half a teaspoon dried herb or teabag to cup boiling water. Infuse 15 minutes. Half-fill eye-bath and use as douche, tepid. OR: quarter of a teaspoon distilled extract Witch Hazel in eye-bath; half-fill with water. Natural lubricant for contact lens is Evening Primrose oil (contents of a capsule). See: EYES, INFECTION.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin B2 10mg, Vitamin C 400mg, Vitamin E 400iu, Beta carotene. Zinc 15mg. ... contact lens fatigue

See entries:– CONJUNCTIVITIS, CONTACT LENS FATIGUE, GLAUCOMA, IRITIS, PALMING, RETINITIS, RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA, RETINOPATHY, SCLERITIS AND EPISCLERITIS, XEROPHTHALMIA (dryness of the eyes). ... eyes

Inability to see at night or in imperfect light due to a deficiency of visual purple (rhodopsin) in the rods at the back of the eye due to low level Vitamin A. Night myopia usually affects people during twilight. “One in five people are not fit to drive at night.” May occur in glaucoma and other eye disorders. Other causes: old age, free radical damage.

Alfalfa tea freely.

Of value: Kelp, Irish Moss, Iceland Moss.

Diet. Vitamin A foods, carrots, bilberries, Cod Liver oil.

Supplements. Vitamin A, Beta-carotene. C (2g), E (400iu). B-complex, B2, Niacin, Zinc. ... eyes  - night blindness

A number of causes including reflex pain from inflammation of the middle ear or decayed teeth. Eyeball tender to touch.

Alternatives. Plantain, Ginkgo. Teas, tablets, etc.

Topical. Cold compress: Witch Hazel.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamins C (500mg); E (400iu). Beta-carotene. Palming. ... eyes – pain

Due to a number of causes including kidney disturbance.

Tea. Equal parts: Clivers, Wild Carrot, Yarrow. Mix. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Topical. Soak cotton wool pads with Witch Hazel Distilled Extract and place over the closed eyelids for ten minutes, once or more daily. ... eyes – pouches under

From coal dust, insects, pollen, etc.

Symptoms: blinking, watering, acute discomfort. Sensation of grit in the eye does not always imply foreign body, but symptoms of conjunctivitis or keratitis. Automatic blinking is sometimes enough to clear offending object.

Treatment. External. Evert lid and remove. Swab out with dilute Witch Hazel on cotton wool. Inject one drop Castor oil, (also good for scratched cornea), Aloe Vera gel or juice. Fenugreek seed puree. Juice of Houseleek and dairy cream.

Difficult case. Removal of particles of iron or dust, apply mucilage of Slippery Elm powder to eye – patient lying on his back, a second person injecting it into corner of eye, the patient moving eye in opposite direction. Safe and healing. Clean eye and bathe with warm milk.

Referral to consultant ophthalmologist. ... eyes – foreign body

Whatever the infection, dendritic ulcer, corneal ulcer, herpes simplex or stye, treatment should be internal as well as external.

A study carried out at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, has shown that those who use extended-wear soft contact lenses are more likely to develop microbial keratitis than users of other lenses.

Treatment. Internal: Powders, Tinctures or Liquid Extracts. Combine Echinacea 2; Blue Flag 1; Goldenseal 1. Doses: Powders: 500mg (one-third teaspoon or two 00 capsules). Liquid Extracts 30-60 drops.

Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water, or honey.

Comfrey. To promote epithelial regeneration. Potential benefit far outweighs possible risk.

Evening Primrose capsules.

Topical. Alternatives. (1) Goldenseal Eye Lotion: 1 part Goldenseal root macerated in 40 parts distilled extract of Witch Hazel 2-3 days. Strain. 5-10 drops in eyebath half filled with warm water; douche. Wipe eyelids. (2) Aloe Vera juice or gel. (3) Moisten Chamomile teabag with warm water and fix over eye for styes, etc. (4) Bathe with Periwinkle minor tea: 2 teaspoons to cup boiling water allowed to cool and strain. (5) Elderflower water. The above to relieve pain, redness and gritty sensation. (6) Evening Primrose lotion. (7) Raw carrot compress to ripen stye. Nasturtium seed compress.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu, Vitamin B2 10mg, Vitamin C 3g, Vitamin E 400iu, Zinc 15mg. Referral to consultant ophthalmologist. ... eyes – infection

Zinc and selenium, supported by doses of Vitamin E and amino acid taurine produced dramatic results in some cases; effect said to be due to antioxidant activity mopping up free radicals associated with degenerative diseases (Journal of Nutritional Medicine)

A preliminary therapeutic trial in patients with ageing macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy showed that supplementation with Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium halted the progression of degenerative changes and in some cases even brought some improvement. (Age and Ageing 1991, 20(1) 60-9). Bilberries.

Referral to a consultant ophthalmologist. ... eyes  - macular degeneration

See: BLEEDING. ... eyes  - retinal haemorrhage

Due to nervous excitability (Valerian), physical exhaustion (Ginseng), pre- menstrual tension (Agnus Castus), spinal weakness (Ladyslipper), liver disorder (Blue Flag), dyspepsia (Meadowsweet), weakness of immune system (Echinacea).

Diet. Low salt, low fat. High fibre. Dandelion coffee.

Supplements. Evening Primrose, one 500mg capsule morning and evening. Vitamin B-complex. Brewer’s yeast, 2 teaspoons. Zinc, 15mg. ... eyes  - shadows under

Presbyopia. General deterioration of the eye, usually from long- sightedness. A natural ageing process. Nutritional deficiency is a common cause, promoted by smoking, alcohol and denatured foods. If the eyes are treated nutritionally good sight lasts much longer. Strong emotions such as anger, and infections such as colds may weaken.

Services of a qualified optician should be sought after limits of the Bate’s Method of eyesight training have been reached.

Alternatives. Tablets/capsules. Ginseng. Gotu Kola.

Powders. Mix. Parts: Gentian 2; Dandelion 1; pinch Cayenne. Dose: 500mg, (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon) thrice daily. (To build-up good general health)

Cider Vinegar. 2 teaspoons to tumbler water; sips during the day.

Topical. Teas. Any one: Eyebright, Fennel, German Chamomile, Plantain, Rue. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes, strain, half fill eyebath and use as a douche.

Diet. Low salt. High fibre. Bilberries.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A, 7500iu. Beta-carotene. B-complex. Vitamin C, 100mg. Vitamin E, 100iu. Zinc.

Supportive. Palming. Bate’s exercises. ... eyes – sight deterioration

Persistent sensitivity. Bruised feeling in eyes. 1 teaspoon Rue herb to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Strain. Half fill eyebath with warm infusion; douche. Evening Primrose capsules: 1 × 500mg, twice daily.

Fennel eye compress. Steep teabag in cold water and apply.

Chickweed Lotion. Take a handful of Chickweed, wash well, crush with a rolling pin, infuse in two cups boiling water until cool. Use as a compress or in an eye bath two or more times daily.

Supplements. Daily. Vitamin A 7500iu. Vitamin B2 10mg. Vitamin C 1g. Vitamin E 400iu. Zinc.

Palming. Bilberries.

If persistent, consult eye specialist. ... eyes – sore

Lacrimal disorder of secretion. See: HAY FEVER. ... eyes – watery

Disappearance of: as in thyroid deficiency, or in the use of certain cosmetics, eyebrow pencils, acne, etc. Emphasis should be on wholefood diet with adequate minerals and supplements, especially Alfalfa tea which enriches hair growth. Anoint brows with Jojoba oil. ... eyebrows

The eyelashes are arranged in two rows at the front edge of the lid and normally curve outwards.

Growth in an abnormal direction may be due to injury to the lid or, more commonly, to infection.

Severe blepharitis may destroy the roots of the lashes.

Trachoma, an infection in which the lid is distorted by scarring, may lead to trichiasis.

With age, the lashes become finer and fewer.... eyelashes, disorders of

Non-persistent overstrain and ache. Internal: 2 teaspoons Cider Vinegar to glass cold water: half-1 glass freely. Bilberries.

Topical. Soak cotton wool pads with Distilled Extract Witch Hazel and apply to eyelids for 5-10 minutes. Potato. Apply slices of raw potato, or potato poultice.

Teabag. Moisten Chamomile or Fennel teabag with cold water and apply.

Cucumber, fresh. Apply slices to closed eyes.

Supplements. Vitamin A 7500iu. Vitamin B2 10mg. Vitamin E 100iu. Vitamin C 1g. Zinc 15mg.

Bates Method eye exercises. Palming.

EYES – VISUAL DISORDERS. May be due to strain, ageing, hereditary. Poor sight may be related to poor food.

Symptoms. Sensitivity to light, near or far sight deficient, squint.

Treatment. Attention to general condition, circulation and nervous system. Ginseng, Garlic, Kelp, Bilberries, Cider vinegar.

Diet. See: DIET — GENERAL.

Supplementation. Vitamins A, B-complex, B2 (10mg daily), C (500mg daily), D, E (100iu daily). Zinc. General: Refer to a qualified optician. Palming. ... eyes – tired

See ptosis.... eyelid, drooping

See blepharoplasty.... eyelid surgery

Displacement of the crystalline lens from its normal position in the eye. Lens dislocation is almost always caused by an injury that ruptures the fibres connecting the lens to the ciliary body. In Marfan’s syndrome, these fibres are particularly weak and lens dislocation is common.A dislocated lens may produce severe visual distortion or double vision, and sometimes causes a form of glaucoma if drainage of fluid from the front of the eye is affected. If glaucoma is severe, the lens may need to be removed. (See also aphakia.)... lens dislocation

a lens with fine parallel lines (almost invisible striations) across its width, used in various vision tests; for example, to test suppression and abnormal retinal correspondence. [B. Bagolini (20th century), Italian ophthalmologist]... bagolini lens

a soft contact lens that can be useful in managing certain external eye disorders, including tiny perforations.... bandage lens

n. the small fringe of hair on the bony ridge just above the eye. It helps to prevent moisture from running into the eye. Anatomical name: supercilium.... eyebrow

n. one of the long stiff hairs that form a row projecting outwards from the front edge of the upper and lower eyelids. The eyelashes help keep dust away from the eye. Anatomical name: cilium.... eyelash

n. the lens or system of lenses of an optical instrument, such as a microscope, that is nearest to the eye of the examiner. It usually produces a magnified image of the previous image formed by the instrument. Compare objective.... eyepiece

n. a small light-sensitive area of pigment found in some protozoans and other lower organisms.... eyespot

n. a sense of fatigue brought on by use of the eyes for prolonged close work or in persons who have an uncorrected error of *refraction or an imbalance of the muscles that move the eyes. Symptoms are usually aching or burning of the eyes, accompanied by headache and even general fatigue if the eyes are not rested. Medical name: asthenopia.... eyestrain