The most common minor eye problem is conjunctivitis (better known as pinkeye), which affects the conjunctiva--the mucous membrane inside the eyelid and covering the exposed surface of the eyeball. This inflammation and accompanying soreness can be caused by intense ultraviolet light, such as that reflected from snow--a good reason to wear sunglasses. It can also be caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

A sty is a red, itchy abscess at the base of an eyelash. It usually comes to a head in a few days, then ruptures and heals. It was once erroneously believed that pricking a sty with a cat's whisker or rubbing it with a gold ring would make it go away. Today's home treatments give better results: holding a warm compress to the area relieves pain and helps bring the sty to a head. A sty will also benefit--as will sore or puffy eyes--from a sterile eyewash or antibiotic ointments made for eye use. To ensure that an herbal eyewash solution is sterile, simmer it for 15 minutes. Then strain it through cheesecloth to make sure no eyeirritating particles remain. Cool to lukewarm before using.

Herbal Remedies

Parsley To try to help styes heal, soak a clean cloth in an infusion made of a handful of fresh parsley that has steeped in a cup of just-boiled water for 10 minutes. Drape the cloth over closed eyes for 15 minutes twice a day until the sty is gone. If a sty does not burst or drain, consult a doctor.

Goldenseal To treat a sty or itchy eyes, simmer 2 teaspoons powdered goldenseal root with 1 cup water for 15 minutes. Use a sterile eyecup to bathe the eyes with the strained, cooled liquid. A commercial goldenseal teabag can be used as a compress when cool.

Witch hazel For black eyes, pour witch hazel on a cotton pad and apply to the closed eye for half an hour. The same treatment may also soothe eye irritation caused by pollution.

Tea bags Soothe puffy eyes by putting a wet tea bag on the eyelids for 15 or 20 minutes.