Causes
The three main causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial infection, viral
infection, and allergic reaction. Bacterial conjunctivitis is acquired
through direct contact with an infected person, and the three main forms of
the disease are pinkeye, inclusion
conjunctivitis, and infectious hyper
acute mucopurulent conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly
contagious. Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies the common cold, and is
caused mainly by an adenovirus. It is also highly contagious. Allergic
conjunctivitis is often seasonal or can be triggered by an allergen such as
pollen.
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Symptoms
The symptoms of conjunctivitis can vary depending on which type of
conjunctivitis one has contracted, therefore a type-dependent list of
symptoms is provided below.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
Usually affects both eyes
Heavy mucus discharge
Eyelids may stick together with discharge
Swelling of the conjunctiva
Redness
Tearing
Image Courtesy of the National Eye Institute,
National Institutes of Health, Ref # NEA04
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Viral Conjunctivitis:
Watery discharge
Eye irritation
Redness
Usually affects only one eye
Tearing
Often included in a viral cold
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Allergic Conjunctivitis:
Tearing
Redness
Itching
Stringy discharge
Usually affects both eyes
Swollen eyelids
Often seasonal
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Supplements
Many supplements can be taken to either prevent the occurrence of
conjunctivitis or help combat the symptoms of the disease.
Vitamin A is an essential eye nutrient, because if it is not present in
sufficient amounts, the eyes will be more susceptible to dryness, irritation, and infection.
Vitamin C is essential for immune system strength.
Bioflavonoids such as pycnogenol can provide antioxidants and when
combined with vitamin C can reduce the necessity for antihistamines, which
are used to fight allergic conjunctivitis.
Zinc helps fight infection and aides in the assimilation of vitamin A into
the system.
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Conventional Remedies
The remedies for conjunctivitis are dependent upon the type of
conjunctivitis contracted. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye
drops or ointments, which can combat a wide range of bacteria, are
frequently prescribed. In one study, it appeared that povidone-iodine was an
effective treatment for bacterial and chlamidial conjunctivitis in
children. (Finn, 107, 2004) While there is no cure for viral conjunctivitis, one
may use a cool compress to relieve some of the irritation. Allergic
conjunctivitis may be alleviated by an antihistamine, steroid eye drops, or,
if possible, the removal of the associated allergen. To relieve the symptoms
of conjunctivitis, one should protect the eyes from irritating substances
such as dirt, avoid using makeup, remove contact lenses, or use
non-prescription artificial tears.
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At-Home Treatments
Although conjunctivitis will clear up on its own after ten days to a couple
of weeks, there are many alternative treatments available to soothe and ease
the eye irritation associated with the disease.
Herbal Remedies:
Washing the eye four to five times a day with herbal infusions and
compresses can aide circulation, remove toxins, kill infections, and assist
glands and nerves. Cool and strain the infusions before using to avoid
harming the eye.
1 teaspoon dried eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) steeped in 1 pint
boiling water. Eyebright is used to relieve redness and swelling of the eye.
2 to 3 teaspoons chamomile (Matricaria recutita) in 1 pint boiling water.
Chamomile reduces phlegm and has anti-inflammatory and astringent
properties.
Ί teaspoon aloe in 3 cups hot water. Aloe soothes the eye.
1 teaspoon mesquite leaves in 1 pint boiling water. (Mendoza Bruce,
2004)
If the above are unavailable, marigold, goldenseal root, fennel, nettle,
horsetail, cornflower, Echinacea, plantain, or melilot can be used to make
soothing compresses.
Slices of raw potato placed on eyelids can assist in decreasing swelling.
A cool, moist teabag or compress over the closed eye can be used for
allergic conjunctivitis.
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Prevention
Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious and are
"acquired by direct contact with another infected person" (Gross), but several
measures can be taken to either prevent spreading conjunctivitis to others
or to prevent contracting the disease if someone in your household has it.
Preventative measures include:
Refrain from touching or rubbing the infected eye
Wash hands frequently
Wash discharge from eye twice daily using fresh cotton ball or paper
towel, then discard and wash hands
Wash bed linens, pillowcases, washcloths, and towels with hot water and
detergent and do not share with other family members
Avoid the use of eye makeup
Dont share eye makeup with others
Dont share contact lenses with others
Wear eyeglasses instead of contacts, or clean contacts frequently
Wash hands after applying eye drops, ointments, or compresses
Be sure to keep children with pinkeye out of school for a few days, as it is
very contagious.
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