Home Remedies and Herbs for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, refers to inflammation of the transparent membrane, called the conjunctiva, that covers the white part of the eye and lines the eyelid. Conjunctivitis causes the small blood vessels in the eye to become inflamed and visible, giving the white part of the eye a pinkish hue, hence the nickname pink eye. Conjunctivitis causes discomfort but doesn’t typically affect vision. It can appear in one or both eyes. It’s not a serious condition but can be highly contagious.1,2 

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis causes range from bacterial and viral infections to allergies. Some less common conjunctivitis causes include chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, pollution, fungi, foreign bodies in the eye, or eye injuries.

The types of bacterial and viral infections that cause conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Risk increases for children and professionals working in a healthcare setting since they are more likely to be exposed to and contract the bacterial or viral infections that cause conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis varies depending on the person and environmental factors. Types of conjunctivitis that are a result of irritation, such as contact lens wear, are not contagious.^3,4

Conjunctivitis can affect anyone at any age, including infants. When infants contract conjunctivitis, it is called neonatal conjunctivitis and requires medical care since infections in newborns can be extremely dangerous. Neonatal conjunctivitis can be caused by irritation, infection, or blocked tear ducts.⁵

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

Conjunctivitis symptoms include:

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Discharge
• Tearing
• Swollen eyelid
• Gritty feeling
• Sensitivity to light

Although conjunctivitis is not a serious condition and can go away on its own, it’s best to consult your doctor if you experience conjunctivitis symptoms. If left untreated, permanent eye damage can occur. Receiving treatment early can also reduce the risk of spreading bacterial or viral conjunctivitis to other people since the condition can remain contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms arise. Avoid wearing contacts, touching your eye, or sharing cosmetics, eye drops, or towels with anyone else.⁶

Conjunctivitis treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibacterial eye drops or ointments while viral conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications. Artificial tears and warm compresses can help relieve inflammation and irritation. Conjunctivitis herbal remedies can also help in reducing symptoms. This can include homemade eyewashes or immune-boosting vitamins and minerals that help fight the underlying cause.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/definition/con-20022732
2. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/conjunctivitis
3. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/causes.html
4. http://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/conjunctivitis-pink-eye
5. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/newborns.html
6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/basics/symptoms/con-20022732