How to Cure Pink Eye

Pink eye is one of the most commonly diagnosed eye problems in children and sometimes in adults and is often the result of bacterial infection. Viruses and allergens are some of the other factors responsible for pink eye. In this condition the appearance of the eye changes drastically, resulting in swollen and itchy eyes.

When the conjunctiva (a mucous membrane covering the white portion of the eye) is inflamed due to an infection, the condition is referred to as pink eye (conjunctivitis). Made up of innumerable small blood vessels, the conjunctiva is useful in lubricating the eye and preventing any foreign material, entering the eyes.

The infection of the conjunctiva causes expansion of the small blood vessels in the eyes. These inflamed blood vessels can clearly be seen as the eyes become red. This condition is typically marked by a continuous white discharge from the affected eye that causes a stinging or burning sensation in the eye.

Eyesight may appear blurred and the person may be unable to tolerate light. Be it viral or a bacterial infection, pink eye is not serious enough to trigger blindness or irreversible vision loss. Vision problems that may develop are temporary and go away immediately after the condition has improved.

In case conjunctivitis is caused due to bacterial infection, then the use of antibiotics is one of the best solutions to get rid of pink eye. Antibiotic ointments or eye drops are commonly prescribed to treat pink eye. The doctor may ask the patient to take oral antibiotics if it is a severe bacterial eye infection.

In case, conjunctivitis is caused due to allergens, prescription as well as over the counter medications which are useful in treating this eye problem can be administered.

Steroid creams are also effective in soothing inflammation and irritation associated with conjunctivitis. Allergy-induced pink eye is often treated with antihistamines but to be on the safer side, take medications as prescribed by a well qualified doctor.

Presence of foreign particles such as dust, dirt or sand can also cause pink eye. In such cases, saline eye drops are used to eliminate these foreign bodies, thereby relieving irritation and burning sensation of the eye.

Placing a cold compress is one of the best pinkeye remedies that can reduce itchiness and inflammation of the eyes to a great extent.

To make a cold compress, one can simply soak clean wash cloth or cotton pad in cold water and then apply it over the affected eye. People diagnosed with allergy induced pink eye, often find cold compress a better option to ease discomfort.

People suffering from bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, prefer a warm compress, which involves applying a warm moist clean cloth on the swollen eye. Viral conjunctivitis usually does not respond well to treatment and generally lasts for a period of 2-3 weeks.

However, use of warm compress from time to time can definitely help to subside symptoms of viral conjunctivitis.

An eye wash using an eye cup is another approach to promote natural healing. Make sure you use clean purified water to wash the eyes. An eye wash is quite effective in easing itchiness and reducing the recovery time.

The tea that we drink daily is loaded with bioflavonoids, that can play a crucial role to get rid of bacterial or viral infection. Take a moist chamomile or black tea bag and then put them over closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. One can also soak cotton balls in lukewarm tea and then use it to wipe the eyes.

The oil extracted from lavender flower possess amazing anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, hence is essential to treat pink eye. The therapeutic properties can work wonders to get rid of conjunctivitis. Application of warm compress that has 1-2 drops of lavender or even chamomile oil can help cure conjunctivitis.

Another approach to combat bacterial or viral infection in the body, would be to strengthen the immune system. This can always be achieved by making certain food supplements an integral part of the diet. Zinc as well as vitamin A supplements are found to be extremely useful to treat eye infections.

Intake of green leafy vegetables (cabbages), carrots and milk are also useful to speed up healing of pink eye as they are high in vitamins.

Conjunctivitis is a contagious infection and hence it is advised to take a break from office work. Children who have contracted pinkeye infection should also avoid going to school.

How long will the symptoms persists? Well, it will vary depending upon the type of infection. For instance, inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by a virus is said to be a stubborn infection and one can expect a minimum of 5 days for the symptoms to subside.

A bacterial infection is least concerning because antibiotics taken in the right dosage as required can help to reduce the severity of symptoms within 24 hours. In other words, people with bacterial eye infections can resume their daily routine after a day or two. Frequently swimming in chlorinated pools has also been one of the causes of pink eye.

So, as a preventive step one should wear swim goggles to keep any sort of eye problems at bay. Wearing contact lenses has to be strictly avoided as it can worsen the condition. Also, make sure your house is well ventilated and an exhaust fan is installed in the kitchen.

Besides following the aforementioned pinkeye remedies, one should wear sunglasses while traveling during the day. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided, as it can worsen this condition. So, in order to speed up the healing of conjunctivitis; along with treating pink eye, use of sunglasses and staying away from contact lenses are very important.