Natural Health

Conjunctivitis and Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis is caused by an inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the eye. It can be a symptom of an allergy or may be caused by infection. The eyes become red, swollen and watery, and they may feel irritated or itchy. There is usually a sticky discharge and the eyes may be sensitive to light. Conjunctivitis is contagious, so do not share towels or flannels. If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them while your eyes are infected. Always ensure that your lenses are scrupulously clean and wash your hands before inserting or rubbing your eyes. If conjunctivitis lasts longer than 48 hours or the eyes are ‘glued’ with discharge, consult your doctor.

Dietary Advice To Avoid Conjunctivitis and Eye Infections

Eye infections are more likely to occur when poor nutrition reduces resistance to infection. Foods that help the body combat infection include brightly colored fruit and vegetables such as citrus fruits, berries and spinach.

Tea, unrefined grains, shellfish, oily fish, chicken, garlic, onion, sunflower seeds and seaweeds also aid healthy immune function.

Daily garlic and antioxidant supplements can reinforce the benefits of good diet.

Complimentary Natural Remedies For Conjunctivitis and Eye Infections

Do not use essential oils near the eyes – instead, bath them with cooled chamomile tea, marigold tea or sage tea. Add 600 ml of boiling water to 15 g dried herb, infuse for 15 minutes and use as an eye bath 3 times a day. Ensure the infusion is cold for dry, irritated eyes, but slightly warm for sticky eyes. Use fresh lotion for each eye.

You could also apply cotton wool pads soaked in warm eyebright tea to each eye. This is also good for tired or strained eyes. Cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel and placed over the eyes for 10 to 15 minutes can help relieve discomfort and inflammation.

Taking echinacea tincture internally can help the immune system fight infection.

The homeopathic remedy Euphrasia 6c, taken every hour for up to 10 doses, can help swollen eyes with a burning discharge. Pulsatilla 6c is good for red, inflamed itchy eyelids and for styes.