Conjunctivitis (red eyes)is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that outlines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they are more visible. This is the reason the white of the eyes looks reddish or pink.
Red eyes are usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction or, in babies, an open tear duct. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydial infection and gonorrhea, are less common causes of conjunctivitis. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that are not properly cleaned or not your own may cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
However, these infections are becoming more prevalent and important for recognition because of the significant systemic, ocular, and social consequences associated with them. Although this condition can be annoying, it rarely affects vision, but treatment can help relieve the discomfort. Because it can be contagious, early diagnosis and treatment can help limit its spread.
How to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis
Keep good hygiene to control the spread of this condition. For example:
- Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands
- Wash your hands frequently and especially after the toilet or shopping, when you will touch money, door handles and more
- Use a clean face cloth every day
- Replace your pillow case frequently
- Do not use old eye makeup, such as a spiral or pencil, to outline your eyes
When to seek medical help
See your doctor if you have conjunctivitis with any of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the eye or both eyes
- Unusual sensitivity to light or blurred vision, which does not improve when clearing eye secretions
- Serious redness in the eyes
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
- Immune system is weakened
Neonates with conjunctivitis symptomsshould see a doctor immediately.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually topically applied, such as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics can help shorten the duration of infection, reduce complications and reduce the spread to others.
Antibiotics may be required in the following cases:
- When there is a visible secret from the eyes (pus)
- When bacteria are suspected
Mild bacterial conjunctivitis can be improved without antibiotic treatment and without causing complications. It often improves over a period of 2 to 5 days without treatment, but may take 2 weeks to disappear completely.
Your doctor may also prescribe antiviral medicines for the treatment of more serious forms of conjunctivitis. For example, conjunctivitis caused by the herpes virus or varicella-zoster virus. But in the most common cases, antibiotics do not improve viral conjunctivitis; these drugs are not effective against viruses.
Ayurveda and conjunctivitis
The problems associated with the prolonged use of antibiotics and their relative inefficiency in most cases lead to a reconsideration of the use of natural herbs for the treatment of conjunctivitis.
Permanent treatment of conjunctivitis is completely possible and easy through Ayurvedic treatment. The root cause of the disease is identified and completely eliminated with the help of various ayurvedic medicines, herbs, food, and therapies.
Ayurvedic treatment has no side effects on the patient being treated and there are no recurrent signs of the disease after natural conjunctivitis treatment. Some Ayurvedic therapists recommend specific foods that strengthen the immune system.
Fresh fruits and vegetables will help the body recover from conjunctivitis faster. Both Vitamin E and zinc maintain the immune system, while Vitamin A specifically protects against viral infections.
Herbal remediescan cure eye infections for viral causes, and antibiotics can cure only bacterial infections. There are several herbs in Ayurveda that may be helpful in treating this condition. For more effective results, Ayurvedic therapists recommend that herbs be used both externally and internally.
Natural herbal remedies for conjunctivitis are not intended to replace existing medical care. Treatment with natural herbs can be helpful when usedin addition to conventional traditional medicine.
Effective Ayurvedic Home Treatment for Conjunctivitis
The condition is called Netrabhishyandam in Ayurveda and is caused by the defilement of Pita and Kafa doshi. When the Kafa dosha worsens in the eye, it blemishes Pita dosha and causes redness, watery eyes and swelling leading to conjunctivitis. Ayurvedic treatment of the condition includes balancing of the participating doshas and administration of herbal remedies.
Here are some Ayurvedic home remedies that help manage conjunctivitis:
- Mix some amla juice with honey and drink it twice a day for quick healing
- Put a few drops of coconut oil in your eyes and lie down for a while to reduce swelling and itching of the eyes
- Place a slice of cucumber over the eyelid for a soothing effect on the eye
- Submerge a small, clean cloth in cold water and place it gently on the affected eye to relieve pain and irritation.
- Dip a cotton ball in a little goat's milk and wipe your eyes with it
- Make a paste of leaf leaves and apply it externally to the eyelids to reduce pain
- Mix a few coriander leaves with half a glass of water. Filter the mixture and apply the slurry on closed eyes
- Soak a teaspoon of coriander seeds in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Strain and apply water to your eyelids to relieve conjunctivitis
- Drink a glass of lemon juice with water early in the morning on an empty stomach to reduce the infection.
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