This condition is happening when the iris becomes inflamed. Iris is the colored part that surrounds the pupil. The small blood vessels and the excess protein which has leaked out of the small blood vessels, inside our eyes, float into the aqueous fluid which is present between the iris and cornea. The exact cause for this condition is not known but in most cases, it is caused by inflammation from trauma or infection of the eye. Also, there are some cases when the iritis is a complication of certain diseases such as collagen vascular disease, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can cause many varying degrees of blurred vision and significant pain, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and redness in the eye. The pupil of the affected eye becomes smaller compared to the pupil of the healthy eye. Children who suffer from arthritis also can have iritis but their pain is often absent and they have just redness in their eyes. You need to treat this condition promptly otherwise it can cause permanent loss of your vision. If you have some of the mentioned symptoms of iritis, then you must talk with your doctor as soon as possible because if you leave this condition untreated, then it can worsen your condition. We do not guarantee you these natural cures and this is a reason why you should never use them without talking to your doctor. He or she will give you the best natural treatment for you.
Contents
13 Natural treatments for iritis
Holy basil or tulsi
Holy basil is a very effective home remedy for the eyes because it is a powerful antioxidant and it has anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent oxidative stress by removing all toxins from your body [1]. You should chew 4 or 5 fresh holy basil leaves every morning.
Fish
You should add fish to your diet because it is rich in Omega – 3 essential fatty acids. You can use mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. There are many studies in which is said that Omega – 3 essential fatty acids can be a helpful natural treatment for reducing inflammation in many parts of our bodies, in which iris is also included [2]. This nutrient is giving to fish anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can be steamed, grilled, or made into gravies or soups and it can be consumed for getting the benefits of the Omega – 3 essential fatty acids which can make wonders for our eyes. You can take fish oil in a supplement form because this will help you for regaining the health of your eyes. There are some studies which are shown that a diet rich in fish can be correlated with healthy eyes and excellent vision.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids which are very important for maintaining the health of our eyes [3]. They can ease the redness and pain in the eyes and they can reduce the inflammation in the eyes. You should eat 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds with your cereal every morning.
Carrots
This natural cure is rich in Vitamin A which is very important for the health of our eyes. Also, it has a nutrient which is known as beta carotene which can increase the immunity of our bodies. Carrots are considered to be the most beneficial natural cure for curing vision problems and eye maladies [4]. You can eat carrots in a raw form because in this way you will also have good results. Also, you can extract the juice from this vegetable and if you suffer from iritis, then you should drink it. Carrots heal your eyes. Also, they cure problems such as light sensitivity. You can add them to gravies, dishes, salads, and soups but carrots are most effective when they are eaten in a raw form. Carrots have nutrients like niacin which enhance the optimal functioning of the bodily symptoms.
Vitamin D3
This vitamin is very important for the prevention of iritis because it supports vision health. Also this vitamin supports mental functioning, the skeletal system, the immune system and the cardiovascular health.
Exercise every day
You should get at twenty minutes of aerobic exercise every day by swimming, walking or other sports activities which you enjoy.
Green vegetables
Green and leafy vegetables such as kale, collard, parsley, broccoli, and spinach are rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, folic acid, and folate. They will help you to stay healthy and also they will keep your immune system functioning. If your iritis is caused by an eye infection, then the green leafy vegetables can raise the immunity of your body and they will ensure your ability to ward off the infection increases. You should make broths and soups which contain green vegetables. Also you can make them as salads or you can eat them in raw form. Green vegetables are also rich in antioxidants that will revitalize your body. Green, leafy vegetables also enhance the rejuvenation of our eyes. We all know that they are best when we eat them in a raw form. [5]
Drumstick leaves
Drumstick leaves are rich in essential amino acids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are making them a very effective home treatment for all kinds of eye disorders. Also this home remedy is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which will nourish your eyes and brain and also they will help you to alleviate the inflammation. You should wash a handful of fresh drumstick leaves and you should blend them in a mixer grinder with a small amount of water. You should strain the juice and you should drink half a cup of this natural cure every day and you should drink it every morning. [6]
Nuts and seeds
Seeds such as sunflower seeds and nuts such as almonds are rich sources of Vitamin E. They are increasing the regenerative power of your body and they bring your body to the optimal functioning of your immune system. Nuts and seeds also have chemical compounds which enhance the immunity of your body and the ability of your body to fend off diseases. Eye infection-induced iritis can be easily treated by healing your body and taking seeds and nuts to enhance the capacity of your body to destroy infections which lead to iritis. You should eat nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts because they are also good for improving your vision. Walnuts also have Omega – 3 essential fatty acids which bring down inflammation in people who suffer from iritis.
Amla
This natural cure has been used for years for keeping the health of our bodies. Also, it is rich in Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. It can help to remove all harmful free radicals. This natural cure will also help to maintain a strong and clear vision by strengthening your eyes and their surrounding blood vessels [7]. When this natural cure is it in season, then you should quarter them and you should dry them in the sun. You should grind the dried amla to a fine powder. You should store the grounded amla in an airtight jar. You should swallow one teaspoon of amla powder with one glass of water every morning.
Fruits
You should eat fruits such as oranges, apples, grapefruits, melons, pineapples, and papayas because they enhance the ability of your body to be able to defend itself against infections which cause inflammation of your iris. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E and Vitamin A which are found in fruits can improve the function of your eye and they can cure vision problems which are created due to iritis. They can also eliminate infections which are the root cause of the iritis.
Fish oil
It is known fact that the first step in the natural treatment of the iritis is to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Fish oil has many nutrients. It is a rich source of Omega – 3 fatty acids. They are powerful antioxidants and also they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids are seeking for the harmful radicals in our bodies and also they are detoxifying them thoroughly. You should take one capsule of fish oil two times per day. Also, you can add fish to your daily diet because this will enhance the levels of B group vitamins in the body. [2]
Eye compress
You should combine water with salt till this combination becomes a saline solution. Then, you should apply it liberally on the compress and you should press it against your closed eyelids. You should leave this compress on your eyelids for about fifteen minutes. Then, you should remove the compress. You will get a relief from the swelling, redness and itchiness which are caused due to iritis by using this eye compress. If you want to have further benefits, then you should use warm water for preparing the saline solution which you will dip in the compress.
References:
[1] Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. 2014;5(4):251-59.
[2] Patterson E, Wall R, Fitzgerald GF, et al. Health implications of high dietary omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2012.
[3] Datilo MN, Sant’Ana MR, Formigari GP, et al. Omega-3 from flaxseed oil protects obese mice against diabetic retinopathy through GPR120 receptor. Scientific Reports. 2018;8.
[4] da Silva Dias JC. Nutritional and health benefits of carrots and their seed extracts. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2014;5:2147-56.
[5] Sommerburg O, Keunen JEE, Bird AC, van Kuijk FJGM. Fruits and vegetables that are sources for lutein and zeaxanthin: the macular pigment in human eyes. British Journal of Ophthalmology. 1998;82:907-910.
[6] Lugman S, Srivastava S, Kumar R, et al. Experimental assessment of moringa oleifera leaf and fruit for its antistress, antioxidant, and scavenging potential using in vitro and in vivo assays. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012:519084.
[7] Akhtar MS, Ramzan A, Ali A, Ahmad M. Effect of Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) on blood glucose and lipid profile of normal subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2011;62(6):609-16.
