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Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is a highly contagious viral or bacterial infection of the eye that covers the outermost layer of a person’s eye as well as the inner side of the eyelid. The condition is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva. Besides the redness in one or both the eyes, other symptoms include pain, itchiness sensitivity to light, discharge and blurred vision.

Pink eye is caused by viral infection and the discharge from the eye is usually watery. On the other hand, in bacterial conjunctivitis the discharge is thick, yellow and green. When the affected person wakes up, he/she often finds his / her eyes shut by the discharge that forms a crust.

Conjunctivitis is a common condition, particularly at the time of the year when seasonal allergies like pollen count is high. Alternatively, it can be caused due to exposure to smoke, chemicals or dust. Pink eye also affects those with weak immune system and severe vitamin D deficiency.

Natural Treatments for Conjunctivitis

The treatment for conjunctivitis largely depends upon the symptoms and the cause of the condition. While most cases of conjunctivitis can be healed with natural treatment, following home care methods can be quite helpful.

Warm Compress

First of all, apply warm compress to reduce discomfort. For this, lightly press a warm, wet cloth over the eyelid. This will help to dissolve the mucus quickly, allowing your eyes to open. Another soothing technique is the use of a saline eye drop that soothes the discomfort.

If conjunctivitis is allergic, stay away from the source of allergy and avoid rubbing or touching the eyes. To get relief from itchiness, use cold compress. Washing the eye several times with purified and sterilized water can bring relief.

Saline Eye Drops

Saline eyedrops help to soothe the discomfort associated with conjuctivitis to a great extent. Simply dissolve some salt in boiling water and allow it to cool down.

Flush the affected eye using an eyedropper and this solution several times each day till the symptoms resolve.

Probiotics to Heal Conjunctivitis

This natural treatment is very effective for babies and children with pink eye. Mother’s breast milk is the best source of probiotics laden liquid which is non-acidic in nature. Apply one to two drop of breast milk on babies infected eye with a clean eye dropper. Re-apply every few hours. This natural treatment will eliminate infection completely within no time. If breast milk is not available, try few drops of raw cow or goat milk.

Treat both the eyes, even if only one eye is infected, because conjunctivitis is so contagious that there are hundred percent chances of getting the second eye infected within a short period. Breast milk and raw cow and goat milk is fully loaded with immunity boosting probiotics. The beneficial bacteria present in probiotics help to cure the infection instantly. The clear liquid part of yogurt can also be used to treat conjunctivitis.

Warm Milk and Honey

Honey contains great antibacterial properties. Washing the eye with equal parts of honey and warm milk can treat and clear conjunctivitis very well.

Mix honey and milk together to get a smooth mixture. Now with the help of a dropper, pour 2-3 drops of this mixture in your eyes after every few hours. This remedy can soothe your eyes and within 24 hours you will get relief from pink eye.

Tea Bags

To get relief from itchy eyes and inflammation, try cold compress of cooled tea bags. Chamomile tea will be an even better choice.

If you or any of your family members is getting pink eye frequently, he or she may be having deficiency of vitamin A, which is one of essential vitamins needed for optimal eye health. Incorporate cod liver oil supplement in your diet to avoid recurrence.