Red eyes or irritated blood vessels present on the sclera may be indicative of recent trauma or inflammation to the eye resulting in tissue or blood vessel damage. This is generally a short term complication and should be resolved quickly. Allergic reactions often leave the eyes red and inflamed due to hayfever or rhinitis (acute inflammation of the mucus membranes), when sneezing is aggravating the eyes causing itching, dryness and irritation. Other causes may be linked to blepharitis, conjunctivitis, excess sun exposure, a burst blood vessel due to straining or coughing, infection, stress, high blood pressure, smoking, subconjunctival injury or inflammation.
In the modality of Iridology the white area of the eye is indicative of a person’s immediate health as this is the most reactive part of the eye. The sclera is fed by thousands of blood vessels and is quite sensitive, you therefore may notice that the whites of your eyes change colour quite often. The sclera is extremely reactive to external pollutants and is also just as reactive to the internal workings of the body.
For the heatlh of the eyes, the following may be of assistance:
The herbs Bilberry and Calendula (Lutein) have a special affinity for the eyes to improve circulation, they also contain high amounts of bioflavinoids to reduce trauma associated with capillary damage and blood shot eyes. Consider taking a supplement such as the Nutra-Life Bilberry 10 000 Plus Lutein Complex as it provides many nutrients and herbs for eye ailments.
Address any allergies if this is a contributing factor. Decreasing your exposure to known allergens will have a positive benefit on improving the appearance of the eyes as the foreign particles will not cause further irritation to the eye. Common airborne allergens are dust, moulds, pollen or grasses. Speak to your healthcare practitioner about an allergy test to determine the culprit.
Increase your antioxidant status by taking a supplement which contains Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and bioflavinoids as well as Zinc and Selenium. These are important nutrients for the health of the immune system and to decrease inflammation.
Anti-histamine/anti-allergic herbs include Pinella, Bupleurum, Ginger, Baical Skullcap, Horseradish, Licorice and Albizzia. These herbs may help to reduce the symptoms if the red eyes/broken capillaries are due to an allergic response. The Microgenics Mega Hayfever Relief supplement contains some of these herbs as well as soothing herbs and Histidine a potent anti-histamine.
Dry eyes may also contribute to the redness you described and this may occur due to a lack of essential fatty acids which lubricate the eyes and keep them moist. Consider increasing the oils in your diet such as avocadoes, flaxseed oil, nuts, seeds, fish or fish oil capsules.
Improve your circulation to greatly improve the healing of the site of irritation. Circulatory supplements which include ingredients such as Gingko, Ginger, Bacopa, Tumeric, Bilberry, Grape Seed, CoQ10 or Vitamin E may be of benefit.