Home Remedies for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye (medically known as conjunctivitis) is essentially inflammation of the eye. This is commonly characterized by the redness of the surface of the eye, as well as swelling, pain or discomfort, and sometimes a green or yellowish discharge. There are many ways in which you can medically treat this condition, but if you want to opt to use natural alternatives, here are some home remedies for pink eye:
Home Remedies for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Use warm or cold compress – You have to use warm compress on the area if the pink eye is due to an infection. In addition, change the compress after use to prevent further infection. Use cold compress on the other hand, if the condition is caused by an allergen or irritant.
Wash your eyes with water – Washing them with water will help keep them clean. Be sure to wash your hands afterwards.
- Honey – Honey harnesses antibacterial and soothing properties and is used in many home remedies, including home remedies for pink eye. Try placing a couple drops of honey directly on your eyes. You may also mix 2-3 tablespoons of honey with 2 cups of boiling water, then use it as eyewash 2-4 times a day after stirring the mixture and letting it cool. Ensure the water is not boiling when placing on your eyes!
- Breast milk – The immunoglobulin in a mother’s breast milk prevents the pink eye from getting worse. Use it like you would an eye drop.
- Potatoes – Potatoes are natural astringents, and therefore help to clean out the eyes. Cut them into circles (like cucumbers) and place them on the eyes.
- Avoid using contact lenses – You can further irritate and worsen the condition of the eye if you use contact lenses, especially since contact lenses require you to use a solution. Let your eyes take a rest from them until it has fully healed.
Your eyes are two of the most sensitive areas of the body, so it is very important that you treat them with the utmost care. Because of this fact, many people utilize natural home remedies as eye treatments for conditions such as pink eye. These natural solutions are favored over pharmaceutical ‘solutions’ which may contain harsh ingredients further worsening the eye condition.
Although there are still many more home remedies for pink eye, the ones listed above are some of the most popular and most effective ones which can be utilized.
Interesting article. Readers should consider that "conjunctivitis" has several different causes (bacterial, viral, allergic, keratitis, uveitis). Your recommendations might have some merit for infection or allergy, but will have very little effect on pure inflammation like keratitis or uveitis. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve you should seek another treatment.
Dr. Hegyi,
Thanks for taking the time to post the info on causes of conjunctivitis. Bacterial infections are not likely to be wipe it out with most home remedies. Although pure, raw honey from your local bee-keeper (not grocer)has good anti-bacterial properties.
GARLIC, THYME, OREGANO, ETC… ARE ANTIBACTERIAL AND YOU CAN MAKE A TEA AND WASH YOUR EYES… I used to wash my eyes with rose petals tea. just an idea. but it nothing natural (& logical) works, go to your eye doctor if it is viral… you may need something stronger.
When I was a child, I suffered from severe conjunctivitis. I was absent for school in 5 days. And because of that incident, I made up my mind to become an eye doctor someday. Most of the times, we use the painful experience in the decisions we make for our future. I'm happy to let you know that I am now a licensed ophthalmologist.
Colloidal Silver at 10 ppm works wonders… you can flood the eye with it several times a day, or place cotton patches over the eyes lying down or even wear small swimming goggles and fill with Colloidal Sliver solution one at a time and keep as long as possible .. Goes away in a day or so. Will cure most forms, do not know about keratitis caused. Certainly viral, bacterial, fungal and most probably allergic as well.