Natural Cures and Remedies
for Pink Eye
What is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane that covers the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. As with many of the more common eye inflammations, conjunctivitis usually looks and feels worse than it is. While the pronounced redness can be quite alarming at first glance, conjunctivitis very rarely causes long term visual damage. It is, however, a condition that often needs to be diagnosed and treated early as certain types of conjunctivitis are very contagious.
What are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?
Pink eye 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 the 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.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by allergies, but can also be caused by certain viruses, bacteria and eye irritants.
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.
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.
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.
Natural Cures and Remedies for Pink Eye
Colloidal Silver -- You can buy colloidal silver in a spray bottle. Spray into your eyes two to three times a day. You can also put one or two drops of colloidal silver in your eyes, two or three times a day if you can't find a spray bottle. Colloidal silver has been known to cure pink eye as quickly as six hours. Be sure to use a few days after healing to be safe.
Castor Oil -- Put one to two drops in your eyes two times each day. Your eyes will get better within one day but you should keep using it for a few more days to make sure it is completely gone. Your eyes will get blurry from the oil but it does not sting or hurt and in fact can be soothing. Castor oil is an antimicrobal and is excellent for healing.
Black or Green Tea Bag -- Put tea bags in boiling water for three minutes. Take bags out and allow to cool down until just warm. Put the two bags on each eye and leave them on for five to ten minutes. Although this may not cure the pink eye it is very soothing to the eyes and will bring relief.
Lemon Juice -- Take an eye dropper and put one to two drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice in the infected eye. This will sting and hurt some but is well known to cause immediate improvement if you are looking for a really fast cure.
Sea Salt -- Put a teaspoon of sea salt in one cup warm water and stir until dissolved. You can ether drop the saline solution you have created directly into your eye or use a cotton ball and get it really wet and put on your eye allowing the water to run into your eye. This is a tried and true remedy used in England.
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 makeup 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.
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