Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane that covers the eye. The cause is usually a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction. Eyes become red, itchy, and watery. May also have discharge that sticks your eyelids together. Infectious conjunctivitis tends to start in one eye and spread to the other. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal, as with hay fever, or may be due to triggers such as dust mites and pet hair. It can also occur as a reaction to eye makeup or chemicals in eye drops.

Home Remedies

• Take a cup of Indian gooseberry juice mixed with two teaspoons of honey
     twice daily.

• Make eyewash by Steeping 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds in 1 cup of
     boiling water for at least 15 minutes. Strain, and cool it before using. This
     is an excellent eye-wash in conjunctivitis.

• Add some turmeric into a little bit of pure water. Immerse a clean
     handkerchief into the solution, and let it dry. Then use it to mop the
     affected eyes. The natural antiseptic, antibiotic properties of turmeric will
     help to take care of bacteria and facilitate healing.

• The best way to heal conjunctivitis in young children is to place a drop of
     mother’s milk in the eye.

Do's

• For cleaning sticky or crusty eyes in the morning, use clean cotton ball
     dipped in warm water and, with the eye closed, gently wipe along your
     eyelids, from the nose outward or the other way around in the same
     direction to remove any crusts.

• During the day, bathe your eyes with cool water to soothe them.

• For allergic conjunctivitis, soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in cold water, 
     wring it out, and place it over the eyes for a few minutes. Repeat as
     necessary, using clean pad each time.

Don’ts

• Avoid an excessive intake of starchy and sugary foods.

• Avoid exposure to any known offending allergens.

• Try not to rub or scratch your eyes which make things worse.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses.

• Don’t share towels, and change your towel and pillowcase every day.

See Doctor                                    

• Red eye associated with pain, blurred or reduced vision, or sensitivity to
     light.

• Conjunctivitis is not responding to treatment after a day or two.