Conjunctivitis , commonly known as pink eye , is an infection of the conjunctiva (the outer-most layer of the eye that covers
the sclera) The three most common types of conjunctivitis are: viral , allergic , and bacterial . Each requires different
treatments. With the exception of the allergic type, conjunctivitis is typically contagious.
An Inflammation of the eyelid's underside and white part of the eye. It is contagious and easily transmitted, particularly
to athletes on the same team who have close daily contact or in crowded or unsanitary athletic facilities.
Conjunctivitis is a very common eye condition. It is not serious but can be very uncomfortable and irritating.
Conjunctivitis has been found to be more common in the tropical countries especially during the change of climate between
rainy season and summer. The humidity in the atmosphere and the temperature is just right for the virus to proliferate and
spread the disease in an alarming proportion.
The following symptoms may affect one or both eyes:
* Clear, green or yellow discharge from the eye.
* After sleeping, crusts on lashes that cause eyelids
to stick together.
* Eye pain.
* Swollen eyelids.
* Sensitivity to bright light.
* Redness and gritty feeling in the eye.
* Intense itching (allergic conjunctivitis only).
* Severe burning and watering in the eyes.
HOME REMEDIES FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS
* Wash hands often with antiseptic soap, and use paper towels to dry. Don't touch eyes.
* Gently wipe the discharge from the eye using disposable tissues. Infections are frequently spread by contaminated fingers,
towels, handkerchiefs or wash cloths that have touched the infected eye.
* A decoction prepared with a handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water is an excellent eye-wash in conjunctivitis.
It is said to relieve burning and reduces pain and swelling. This decoction should, however, be sparingly used by persons
suffering from bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.
* Use warm-water compresses to reduce discomfort.
* Don't use eye makeup.
* The juice of the Indian gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in conjunctivitis. A cup of this juice should be taken
mixed with two teaspoons of honey twice daily in treating this condition.
* Rose water helps keep eyes cool. A few drops of rose water in the eyes at night helps keep them cool and soothe the
conjunctiva.
* Raw juices of certain vegetables, especially carrots and spinach, have been found valuable in conjunctivitis. The combined
juices of these two vegetables have proved very effective. In this combination, 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed with
300 ml of carrot juice. Raw parsley juice-200 ml, mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice has also been found beneficial in the
treatment of this disease.
* Vitamins A and B2 have proved useful in conjunctivitis. The patient should take liberal quantities of natural foods
rich in these two vitamins. Foods rich in vitamin A are wholemilk, curds, butter, carrots, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables,
tomatoes, mangoes, and papaya. Foods rich in vitamin B2 are green leafy vegetables, milk, almonds, citrus fruits, bananas,
and tomatoes.
* The juice of the Indian gooseberry, mixed with honey, is useful in conjunctivitis. A cup of this juice should be taken
mixed with two teaspoons of honey twice daily in treating this condition.
HOMEOPATHY FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS:
Apis mellifica: 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 nitricum: 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 sulphuris calcareum: When the eyes feel sore or bruised, with inflammation and burning pain, or a feeling as if
the eyes 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 solubilis: 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 muriaticum: Swollen lids with burning tears and a feeling that the eyes are bruised suggest a need for this remedy.
Mucus or pus forms and can make the eyelids stick together. People who need this remedy 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 is 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.
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise
directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES ARE SAFE AND HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS
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