Treating Pink Eye

Pink eye, as most of us know, is also known as conjunctivitis. It is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The reason behind a pink or red cast or appearance of the whites of the eyes is due to this inflammation which makes the blood vessels more prominent. Pink eye is commonly caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. This condition may also be a response to an allergic reaction. Pink eye in newborns occurs mainly due to an incomplete opening of the tear duct..

Pink Eye Causes and Symptoms

As mentioned earlier, common factors which may cause pink eye include a viral infection, bacterial infection, allergic reaction or foreign object in the eyes. The condition caused by bacterial infection is more common in children than in adults. When affected by a bacterial infection, the eye often produces a thicker discharge which might be yellow-green in color. It might also be associated with a respiratory infection or with a sore throat. While, in case of a viral infection, the eye discharge is watery or mucous-like. Both kinds of infections are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated articles like towels, clothes, etc. Bacterial and viral infection may affect one or both the eyes.

Pink eye caused due to an allergic reaction may be a response to a substance such as pollen, which is an allergen by nature. So, when such allergens affect the eyes, the body's defense mechanism produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). So, in order to get rid of the allergic substances, this antibody triggers mast cells (large connective tissue cell that contains histamine, heparin and serotonin which are released in allergic reactions or in response to injury or inflammation) in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways. As a result of this response of the body, there occurs a number of allergy symptoms and signs, where pink eye is one of them.

Irritation due to any foreign object in the eyes is also associated with pink eye. Cleaning and flushing the eyes to get rid of such substances causes redness or irritation. Once such substances are gotten rid of, the condition gets resolved within a day.

Redness, itching or burning, a feeling of something being stuck in the eyes, discharge from the eyes (watery or may contain pus), tearing, sensitivity to light, eye pain and blurred vision are the common symptoms of pink eye or conjunctivitis, which most people suffer from. The discharge from the eyes at night may cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly in the morning.

How to Treat Pink Eye

Treatment of pink eye differs according to its cause; whether it is a viral infection, a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction.

Treating Viral Conjunctivitis
There is no specific method for treating viral pink eye. It does not respond to the use of any antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. The virus will run its course, and in the meantime you can use over-the-counter medication to ease the symptoms. The symptoms may worsen in the first three to five days and then gradually clear up after that. A viral conjunctivitis usually gets resolved on its own within 2 - 3 weeks.

Treating Bacterial Pink Eye
Antibiotic eyedrops are administered in the treatment for pink eye which has a bacterial infection as its cause. Children may be given antibiotic eye ointment, instead of eye drops. Once the treatment has been initiated, the symptoms will improve within 1 - 2 days. Prescribed medication must be taken for the recommended amount of time as advised by the doctor. Bacterial pink eye clears up within several days, when treated properly.

Treating Allergic Pink Eye
Antihistamines, decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops are commonly prescribed for this case.

Home Remedies

At the site of the symptoms which I have mentioned above, you can get some lukewarm water and mix some salt in it. Taking some water in your hands, blink your eyes over it. The saline water will help in preventing gunk and scar tissue from building up in the eyes. It will also relieve itching and irritation.

Boil some fennel seeds and let the water cool down. Use it as an eyewash whenever you feel burning, itching and other uncomfortable symptoms. Even the tea of elderberry blossom works well as a natural treatment for pink eye.

Honey is antibacterial by nature. Put 1 or 2 drops of it onto both the eyes directly. Alternatively, mix about 3 tbsp of honey in 2 cups of boiling water and stir continuously to dissolve it. Let the solution cool down and then use it to wash your eyes several times a day.

Putting few drops of rose water, helps in soothing burning eyes and reduces the irritation. Anecdotal evidences suggest that even mother's milk is sometime helpful in managing pink eye symptoms. Make the child lay on her back and close her eyes. Express a few drops of the milk into the eyes and ask the child to blink her eyes or briefly open her eyelids. Use this treatment for about 3 or more times in a day.

Make a mix of turmeric powder (2 tsp.) with a cup of boiled water. Use it as a warm compress. A poultice made of live yogurt culture, when applied everyday, helps in reducing inflammation. Another valuable tip is to soak a clean cloth in Aloe vera juice and place it on the affected eyes.

Using artificial tears helps in flushing out toxins and irritants from the eyes. This is especially helpful while treating a case of an allergic pink eye. A solution made of baking soda (1 tsp) and water (2 cups), makes a soothing eyewash.

Take one quart of boiled water and 1 tbsp of boric acid and mix it to make a solution. Allow it to become cool. Use it to clean your eyes with the help of one quart of boiled water and 1 tbsp of boric acid. Rinse the eyes with plain water after use.

Pink eye usually resolves on its own without any treatment. However prolong stay of the symptoms, even after using the above methods, warrants medical intervention.