Styes and Chalazions appear to be pimple-like eruptions along the eyelid. In fact, the word “chalazion” is Greek for small pimple. Styes and Chalazions occur when there is inflammation of the small oil producing glands at the tips of the eyelids. These eyelid glands produce a lubricating fluid called sebum; often, these sebaceous glands open into hair follicles. Each eye has about one hundred of these glands underneath each row of eyelashes. When the oil gland becomes blocked, inflammation occurs and a pimple-like bump gradually becomes noticeable. Where as styes are infections of the oil glands on the surface of the eyelid, chalazions are infections, inflammations, or blockages of the oil glands deep within the eyelid.
Eye inflammation can occur from a variety of reasons, including allergies, a bacterial infection or a viral infection (such as a herpes-type infection). Styes can be very easy to get when the immune system is compromised and the eyes are wiped with bacteria-laden hands; Staphyloccocus aureus bacteria are thought to be responsible for styes and chalazions. This is why styes are more common in children than adults; chalazions, on the other hand, are more common in adults.
Often a stye or chalazion will start as an inflammation of the eyelid. It will then grow into a tender red swollen bump, and come to a head in a few days to let the backed-up fluid drain. The eye may itch and drain more frequently, and become painful. If it is not properly treated and allowed to drain, it can harden into a small, inflamed, cystic lump in the eyelid; often this hard mass will not be able to escape and can lay dormant for many months or years until it dissolves or is surgically removed. Although a chalazion may not be painful, it may rub against the eyelid and promote the formation of new styes. Occasionally, styes and chalazions can interfere with vision and/or light sensitivity.
A healthy diet that that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and purified water may be helpful; try to avoid fried foods, sugar, caffeine, meats, dairy, processed foods, and artificial ingredients. Include in the diet immune empowering foods, such as: garlic, onions, echinacea, burdock, green foods, and super foods (goji, mangosteen, cacao, acai, etc.); try to eat foods that are anti-microbial, detoxifying, and tonifying for the whole system. Hot compresses applied to the infected eye (while closed) for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times per day may help to draw out the infection. These compresses can also be made with aloe vera juice, eyebright tea, red raspberry tea, calendula tea, or goldenseal. A high quality essential oil of lavender (3 drops) mixed with a carrier oil (i.e. jojoba oil, olive oil, or seseme oil) massaged around the eye may be anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (pay special attention to avoid getting the essential oil in the eye). Supplementing the diet with probiotics (healthy bacteria), essential fatty acids, a whole food multi vitamin and mineral, antioxidants, and homeopathics may also be helpful. Since all bodies are different, please talk to a qualified wellness counselor to establish a program that works with the individual person.
Eye exercises are important for the health of the eye. The eye is comprised of a large amount of muscle mass. For proper eye health, these muscles must be exercised. Eye exercises have been known in yoga practices for thousands of years; in many present day eastern cultures people start each day by exercising their eyes. Begin the day by splashing cold water on the eyes. Sit quietly and roll the eyes to the right, left, up and down. Continue to exercise these eye muscles and focus at each direction. Focus at close objects, then switch the focus to objects in the distance; focus on the colors, shapes, and textures of the objects. Feel the eye muscles strengthen and the vision becoming sharper.
Emotionally, most skin eruptions are often associated with anger from trust issues. The healing of these ailments occur when the anger is transformed back into trust. Given that these eruptions are on the eye, there is something about the anger issues that have been denied in the past and need to be looked at. Issues of anger are often very complex and involve going through many emotional layers. When working on anger issues, pay special attention to the health of the liver and spleen. Again, consult with a wellness counselor for help with achieving a greater sense of health and wellness.
This is for informational purposes only; it is not intended to diagnose, prevent or cure any disease. As with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should advise your health care practitioner of the use of these products. If you are nursing, pregnant, or might become pregnant, please consult with your health care practitioner.
