Conjunctivitis (Pink-eye)
Conjunctivitis, popularly known as pink-eye, is
an infection of the outermost layer of the eye.
Conjunctivitis is a very common infection and
not usually serious, resolving itself within ten
days or so. The conjunctiva is a protective layer,
folding over onto the inner side of both the
upper and lower lids. An inflammation causes
irritation, redness and itchiness. Although
there is burning and tearing, vision is not
affected in any way.
Conjunctivitis first becomes apparent with
sticky, gluey lids that make it difficult to open
the eyes in the morning. Throughout the day,
mucus collects in the corner of the eye. The lids
often become puffy and swollen. The infection
often begins in one eye, but can quickly travel
to the other. If vision is disturbed or there is
pain, seek professional advice immediately, as
the infection could be more serious.
Bacteria or viruses cause this infection, but
usually some eye irritation has allowed the
infection to take hold, such as dust, sand, smoke,
make-up or chlorine. In other cases, wearing
contact lenses too long or maintaining extended
exposure to sun and wind and cold drafts can
cause inflammation. In spring, consider pollen
allergies as a possible cause if the infection will
not resolve, the itching is terrible and both eyes
are affected simultaneously. During a cold, bacteria from the nose or throat have likely spread to
the eyes. Since this infection is highly contagious
through contact, rubbing the eyes will spread the
infection to other areas. Viral infections tend to
be more serious. The herpes virus causes which
affect vision.
Supplements and herbs
- Vitamin A is an important nutrient for the
eyes. If it is lacking, the eyes will be more
susceptible to dryness, irritation and
infection. Provitamin A, known as beta-carotene,
is an excellent way to obtain ample amounts
of vitamin A in a non-toxic, water-soluble
form.
- As for any infection, vitamin C with bioflavonoids should be taken for
immune
system support.
- Bioflavonoids, especially pycnogenol (from
pine bark) bilberry or
grape seed extract and quercetin provide strong antioxidant protection.
- Other bioflavonoids commonly seen in good
antioxidant supplements include rutin,
hesperidin or catechin. In high doses, vitamin C
combined with bioflavonoids help reduce the
need for antihistamines, a common
component of many eye drops used for allergic eye
reactions.
- Zinc is also helpful for an infection, and
assists vitamin A assimilation.
Bathe eyes four to five times a day with herbal infusions and compresses that
assist circulation, strengthen glands and nerves, draw toxins and kill infections. To avoid scratching the
eye, strain infusions through a sterilized, double-folded cotton cloth or gauze.
- To increase blood flow to the eye, apply a warm
eyebright compress. Eyebright helps relieve
redness and swelling of the eye. Moisten a
cotton ball in the lukewarm infusion and leave on
inflamed eye for five to fifteen minutes, then
wipe the discharge from the eyelids. Use a fresh
cotton ball to re-apply compress.
- Chamomile has phlegm-reducing,
anti-inflammatory, astringent and healing properties.
Make tea or dilute 5-10 drops of tincture in
water to bathe eyes; this mixture may also be
taken internally.
- Add a few drops of goldenseal root tincture to
warm compress water.
- Marigold compresses are antiseptic and
anti-inflammatory. Dilute 5 drops of tincture in
1/4 cup of water.
- Aloe is soothing. Mix 1/4 tsp. of aloe and
3 cups of hot water, let cool and apply five
times daily.
- Fennel, nettle,
horsetail,
cornflower,
Echinacea, plantain or melilot also make a
soothing compress.
- Take a goldenseal and Echinacea combination
orally, for a couple of days, if a bacterial or
viral infection is diagnosed.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies can help
to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort in
conjunctivitis. If significant improvement does not take
place within a week, consult a doctor.
- Apis
Puffy, pink, watery swelling that feels better from cold
applications is a strong indication for this remedy.
Stinging, burning pain may be experienced, and the
eyelids may stick together. A person who needs this
remedy often feels irritable, disliking interference.
- Argentum nit.
Swelling with yellowish or pus-like discharge, and
redness and inflammation of the whites and inner
corners of the eyes, suggest the use of this remedy. The
person's eyes may be tired and achy, worse from light
and warmth, and better from cool water, cold
compresses, and fresh air. People who need this remedy
often have a strong desire for both salt and sweets.
- Hepar sulf.
When the eyes feel sore or bruised, with inflammation
and burning pain, or a feeling as if the eyeballs are
being pulled back into the head, this remedy may be
indicated. Yellow discharge can stick the eyelids shut,
especially in the morning. Warm compresses, and
warmth in general, often ease discomfort. Extreme
sensitivity to cold, as well as to light and noise, is often
seen. The person may be very irritable and touchy.
- Mercurius sol.
People needing this remedy often feel ill and tired,
with erratic body temperature and sensitivity both to
heat and cold. Discharge is greenish-yellow and can
irritate the lids and margins of the eyes. A person who
needs this remedy often has swollen glands, offensive
breath, and excessive salivation.
- Natrum mur.
Swollen lids with burning tears and a feeling that the
eyes are bruised suggest a need for this remedy. Mucus
or pus can form and make the eyelids stick together.
People who need this remedy may often feel sad and
tired, acting irritable if someone shows them sympathy.
- Pulsatilla
Conjunctivitis with thick, yellow, itchy discharge
(often accompanying a cold or the measles) suggests a
need for this remedy. The person tends to be emotional and sensitive, feeling worse from warmth and in
stuffy rooms, and relieved by cool fresh air.
- Sulphur
This remedy may be helpful if the eyes are very red
and irritated, with burning, smarting, sticking pains
and a nagging itch. The whites of the eyes look red
and bloodshot, and the tears feel hot. Symptoms are
worse from heat, and light will hurt the eyes. The
eyelids may look contracted, especially in the morning.
What else you can do
- If overuse of contact lenses has caused the
condition, give the eyes a rest for a week while
treating them with herbals.
- Slices of raw potato placed on the eyelids can
help decrease swelling.
How much to take
- Beta-carotene, 25,000 IU
- Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
three to five times daily
- Zinc, 15 mg, with 3 mg
copper, twice daily for
one week
For kids
In infants less than a week old, plugged tear ducts are not uncommon. Tear
ducts drain tears out of the eye. Although the situation usually resolves on its
own by the time a baby is six months old, in some cases a doctor may recommend
surgery to open a clogged duct. This is because a plugged tear duct can cause a
backup and accumulation of fluid in the eye, creating fertile soil for an infection.
If silver nitrite drops are put in a newborn baby's eyes, this also can cause a
reaction.
The overwhelming majority of cases of conjunctivitis in older children are
caused by viruses, although in rare cases a bacterial infection may be responsible.
Viruses and bacteria may be rubbed into the eye, or may travel from an infection
in the nose up through a tear duct and into the eye. The infection can be transmitted
from one child to another.
Suspect conjunctivitis if the white of your child's eye shows bright pink or red
coloration. In the early stages, your child may complain of burning or itching eyes
and may feel as if there's something in them. His eyelid may be swollen, and there
can be a sticky, yellowish discharge from the eye. The eyes may be "glued" shut
in the morning when your child awakens.
Most cases of simple conjunctivitis last from five to seven days. If you are
treating your child for conjunctivitis at home and notice no improvement in that
time, take your child to a doctor.
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