Our windows to the world are two delicate and complex organs. If they’re not looked after, they can saddle you with a host of problems, like irritation, dryness, eye infections, cataract and even blindness. Not only this, certain eye conditions can indicate if something’s gone wrong in some other part of the body too.
pink eye home remedy Home Remedies for Pink Eye
For instance, blurred vision can be a sign of diabetes, yellow eyes can be a cue to hepatitis or a marked difference in the pupil’s size can point towards a tumor developing in somewhere. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is one such annoying and highly contagious infection. Before we dive into home remedies for pink eye, lets first understand what it is.
Understanding pink eye
When conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the eyeball, gets inflamed along with the inside of the eyelids, it causes the pink eye. This condition proves troublesome because it’s accompanied by the telltale pink eye symptoms of redness, eye pain, dryness, burning, blurred vision and a sticky discharge. The bad news is you can readily get it from others.
So, what causes pink eye? It can be a result of viral infections, like cold, acute respiratory infection, or disease such as measles, herpes simplex or herpes zoster. It can also be caused by bacteria, like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Hemophilus. Even environmental hazards, like wind, smoke, dust and allergic reactions to pollen, dust or grass can cause this infection. Less common causes include exposure to sun lamps or electrical arcs used during welding and blocked or inadequate drainage of the tear ducts.
Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Pink eye treatment can involve over-the-counter drops and ointments or natural home remedies. However, in all cases applying warm compresses to the affected eye several times a day generally help reduce the discomfort. Let’s see what all home remedies for pink eye that are available:
Homeopathy
Some homeopathic home remedies designed to treat conjunctivitis include Pulsatilla, Belladonna and eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis). Homeopathic eye drops and eye washes can be made from eyebright or chamomile ( Matricaria recutita).
Boric acid
Boric acid eyewash may help relieve the discomfort associated with pink eye, as it cleans and soothes the infected eye. Even a warm compress applied to the affected eye can help relieve the discomfort.
Tea
Damp tea bags placed on the eyes can ease the discomfort of allergic pink eye. For this boil the tea bags and let them cool before placing them on the infected eye. You can also simply make a little stronger tea and then use an eye cup to hold the lukewarm tea in each eye.
Calendula
Calendula, an antiseptic perfect for irritation due to pollutants and allergies, is effective against itching and inflammation. It’s generally used as a local compress and eyewash.
Jasmine flowers
Distilled water in which jasmine flowers had been soaked overnight used as eye drops will work like a charm for pink eye, especially for the eye having yellow discharge.
Honey
Putting drops of honey mixed in warm water in the affected eye is an effective pink eye remedy. However, be prepared for a little burning discomfort.
Saltwater
Cotton balls soaked in boiled saltwater when placed on the eyelids kill the infection.
Chamomile
Cloth soaked in water, in which chamomile has been boiled, when placed over the affected eye will help clear the infection.
Eyebright
Adding a few drops of eyebright tincture to boiled and cooled water and applying it to the infected eye through cotton balls is an effective way to cure pink eye.
Proper use of home remedies will help in getting rid of pink eye infection. However, always consult your physician when using these remedies.
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