How to Get Rid of Pink Eye

When the conjunctiva, or the membrane that covers the white part (sclera) of the eye, is inflamed, the result is pink eye. It usually causes itching, sensitivity to light, burning, general irritation and pain. This condition can also be contagious, caused due to a bacterial or viral infection. In other cases, it can be caused due to allergens and dust present in the air. This form of pink eye is non-contagious. It occurs more often in kids than in adults because of their exposure to group activities, such as being together in school, exposed to different kids with, perhaps a cold. Such kids are more susceptible to the occurrence of pink eye. Mentioned below are some natural remedies for this condition.

Natural Remedies

Due to time constraints, most of us tend to ignore minor irritations in the eye, and pass it off as an affair that will last only a day. However, if you do not have the time to visit the doctor, or are just plain against popping pills at the drop of a hat, these natural remedies will help treat pink eye in as early as one day. Some of these remedies may sting a little naturally, because the eyes are highly sensitive. Nevertheless, they're still effective, do not have any side effects and will save your visit to the doctor.

• Not many may be aware of an easily available herb called eyebright. Yes, there is a herb dedicated to the treatment of any kind of irritation in the eyes. Just add 1tsp of this herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Use it as an eye wash after straining the leaves and cooling the solution. This should help get rid of the pink eye in one day.
• The herb fennel, was known as the herb of sight among ancient Romans. Add a few leaves in water and boil. After the solution cools, strain the leaves and use the solution to wash the eyes. It helps in clearing cloudy vision caused by pink eye.
• Chamomile is another effective herb to cure pink eye. Placing a damp chamomile tea bag on the infected eye for ten minutes at night has proven to treat this condition in a day or two.
• In case of discharge from the infected pink eye, use a solution of jasmine soaked overnight in distilled water.
• Aloe Vera juice used to wash the infected pink eye is another remedy to get rid of it. One may even use a cloth soaked in aloe vera juice, as a compress to the affected eye.
• One drop of castor oil, thrice a day will help rid the pink eye naturally.

Using herbal remedies to treat any kind of ailment is always a suitable alternative, as it has no side effects. If the condition still prevails, it may be an alarm for a more serious condition in the eye. In such a case, please avoid trying various methods for treatment at home and visit an ophthalmologist at the earliest. You do not want to fiddle with your vision, as it is one of the most precious senses that has been bestowed on you.

To prevent pink eye, ensure that you do not touch your infected eye, and then touch your other eye with the same hand. This will cause the condition in both the eyes. Other methods to prevent it are to maintain hygiene at all times. Avoid rubbing the eyes constantly, as this will bring them in contact with various allergens present on the hands. Those who wear contact lenses should be more careful with the hygiene of the lenses, as dirt tends to collect on the lens if not cleaned thoroughly. Also, swimming in public spaces like the ocean can put one at a higher risk of contracting this problem.

Even though pink eye is generally passed off as a minor infection, it can get severe. Before it does, use these natural remedies to treat them, and follow the above-mentioned measures to prevent an occurrence or recurrence of this condition.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.