Natural remedy for the symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Pinkeye is caused by infections (from bacteria or viruses), allergies, or certain irritants that come into contact with the eye, thus the different types of conjunctivitis tend to cause different symptoms. Symptoms of pink eye may include:

• Discomfort in the eye
• Redness of the eye or inner eyelids
• Discharge and teariness
• Discharge may cause eyelids to crust and stick together while sleeping
• Itchiness
• Tenderness of the eye, or pain (which can be severe in the cases of irritant conjunctivitis)
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Infection usually begins with one eye, but can quickly spread to other eye in cases of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis

In most cases of pinkeye, pain, photophobia and blurred vision are not very common and should they occur it is important to seek medical attention to rule out other diseases such as glaucoma, uveitis, keratitis or even meningitis.

Close

Allergic Conjunctivitis
Commonly occurring in people who suffer from an allergic condition, allergic conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of substances particular to the individual. This type of conjunctivitis often has a seasonal element and occurs more frequently during spring and seasonal changes.

Other common allergens are dust, pollen, cosmetics, perfume, or medication. Allergic symptoms of pink eye often affects both eyes, and severe itchiness and swelling are common.

Viral Conjunctivitis
As the name suggests, viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, either contracted through the air or direct contact. Viruses that cause the common cold, acute respiratory infections, or disease such as measles or herpes are often the causes of viral conjunctivitis.

For this reason, it is fairly common to notice other symptoms, such as upper respiratory symptoms, with this type of conjunctivitis, and it is fairly contagious.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus are the common culprits that cause this type of conjunctivitis which is highly contagious and easily spread, especially amongst children.

Irritant and Chemical Conjunctivitis
Certain irritants to the eye such as flame burns, some plant saps, irritant gases or chemicals, and environmental toxins can all cause irritant conjunctivitis.

Close

Medical Treatment
Conjunctivitis caused by viral and bacterial infections is usually treated with topical antibiotic ointments or sodium containing eye drops to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In cases where the conjunctivitis is related to herpes simplex, gonorrhea or Chlamydia, special precautions need to be taken, and your physician may even refer you to an ophthalmologist.

In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe oral anti-histamines - however, these may dry the eyes causing further complications. It is important to investigate all possible side effects of any medication your doctor may recommend and make an informed decision on what treatment will best suit you!

Home-Care
Saline eye drops can be used to soothe the discomfort of conjunctivitis as will a warm cloth held over the eyelid. In the case of allergic conjunctivitis it is important to find and remove or distance yourself from the source of the allergy, and you should try not to touch or rub the eyes.

A cold compress will ease itchiness and provide some relief. It is also a good idea to use an eye wash (using purified water) regularly through-out the day to speed up recovery. However, make sure that it is well sterilized before hand and if both eyes are infected, a separate eye washer should be used for each eye, or it should be re-sterilized between each use.  

A Holistic Approach
Treating conjunctivitis is important, especially in cases where the condition is severe. If left untreated, conjunctivitis may become a recurrent problem or serious damage may be caused to eye tissue.

For this reason, it is essential to take an active approach towards your health and incorporate natural healing remedies, with a healthy diet and a few immune boosting techniques that will have your eyes looking bright again in no time! The immune system plays an essential role in fighting off any infection and so giving it a helping hand should be your first step of action.

Close

Conjunctivitis, like many eye ailments, is frustrating and bothersome as your eye probably feels twice as large as it actually is and it may feel like your eyelids have turned to sandpaper. Luckily, nature has a few effective herbal and homeopathic remedies that help with overall eye health and swift recovery!

Herbal ingredients such as Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) and Sutherlandia frutescens are powerful anti-oxidants and help to maintain a healthy supply of blood, oxygen and essential nutrients to the eye – all of which are essential to the rapid recovery from any eye condition.

Another essential herb commonly used for eye health is Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) which is used to strengthen eye capillaries, prevent eye-related disease and infection, and restore the eyes to their healthy, bright and problem-free state.

Close

In addition, there are a few natural ways to help provide relief and promote faster healing without any unwanted side-effects.

• Add a few drops of honey to your eye wash as honey has antibacterial properties. Honey will also soothe the eye and promote faster healing.
• Grate a potato and place on the affected eye for 15 minutes. Potato is a natural astringent and will help reduce eye inflammation.
• Replace the water of your eyewash or compress with warm milk
• For itchy eyes, try cooled tea bags on the eyes. The tannin in tea will help sooth itchiness and reduce inflammation. Using chamomile tea bags is an even better idea as chamomile is well known as an effective eye tonic.

Close

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and it can easily be spread to your other eye, other people and to yourself again once the initial infection has cleared. For this reason a few precautions should always be taken if you or someone you know has conjunctivitis:

• Don’t share towels, pillows, or washcloths with others, especially if they have conjunctivitis or other viral and bacterial conditions such as cold sores.
• Change pillowcases and wash towels and bedding frequently.
• Use immune system boosters to boost your immune system to help prevent infection as well as to encourage faster healing.
• As much as you may want to, refrain from touching your eyes! If your eyes are itchy, rather use a clean compress for quick relief.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes.
• Seek medical attention if you develop conjunctivitis when you have a cold sore as herpes simplex related conjunctivitis is a serious condition.
• Discard any make up used when you had conjunctivitis as it may be contaminated and this is an easy way to spread it again.
• If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your eyes have completely healed.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors as sunlight irritates pink eye.

Close