Natural Support For Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.
The most common causes of conjunctivitis are:
viruses
bacteria
allergens
Less commonly:
chemicals
foreign bodies
indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors
fungi, ameba and parasites
signs and symptoms
Conjunctivitis can last from 2 days to sometimes as long as 3 weeks. Viral strains are the most common, and may be the most contagious forms. Symptoms may include:
Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
Swollen conjunctiva
More tears than usual
Thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep. It can make your eyelids stick shut when you wake up.
Green or white discharge from the eye
Itchy or burning eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
viral vs bacterial
Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by adenovirus, (which causes the common cold) is self-limiting. It lasts anywhere from a few days to several weeks, much like viral colds. It is not responsive to antibiotics.
If caused by bacteria, antibiotic ointment or drops may speed up the healing process. Oral antibiotics are rarely needed. Bacterial conjunctivitis normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge. Viral conjunctivitis normally causes a watery discharge.
natural supports
Keep eyes clean. Wash any discharge from eyes several times a day ensuring you wipe inner eye to outer. Use a separate cotton ball for each eye and throw them away after each use.
BREASTMILK: If you've got access to breast milk, use a few drops in infected eye 3 x per day.
COLLOIDAL SILVER: 1 drop in affected eye 3 x per day (I use Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol).
Support immune system with Vit C, zinc, elderberry, echinacea and oral probiotics. I use Harker Herbals Children's Vira Guard.
Diluted lavender oil in a 10ml roller, rolled along the cheekbone and brow bone (do not get any in eye, only apply on children old enough to not rub oil in eye).
Manuka honey drops: Manuka honey has antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Dissolve 1/3 tsp raw manuka honey with 1/3 C warm filtered water. Place 1-2 drops into each eye 4 times a day or as needed.
Use warm compresses for infective conjunctivitis and cold compresses for allergic or irritative conjunctivitis.
In older children, a cooled soaked green or chamomile tea bag over the eye can be cooling and helpful for dryness and inflammation.
Under the guidance of a homeopath you can also try some Euphrasia or Pulsatilla.
when to contact your provider
You should see your family doctor if you are worried about your child's eyes, or if your child has:
moderate to severe eye pain
sensitivity to light (photophobia)
any blurred or reduced vision
any injury to the eye (such as being hit or scratched), or chemicals in the eye
a fever and is generally unwell
increased swelling, redness, and tenderness around the eye
your intuition tells you to!
If your baby with conjunctivitis is less than 6 weeks old, you should always see your family doctor. An infection from bacteria in the birth canal can cause conjunctivitis in newborns.
