What to do for Pink Eye

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is caused due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane. Conjunctiva membrane covers the white part of the eye which is a thin, clear membrane and protects the eye from dirt and lubricates the eye balls. Pink eye is caused due to bacterial infections, viral infections, allergic reactions and in some cases also due to smoke, harmful gases and foreign objects like contact lens. Pink eye can be contagious in some cases, wherein the infection is acquired by bacterial or viral infection. So what are the symptoms of pink eye? Read on to find out.

Pink Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of pink eye can vary according to the cause of the pink eye infection, but in most cases pink eye symptoms tend to be obviously visible. Most people suffering from pink eye experience some, or all the following symptoms.

• The white part of the eye becomes reddish or pink.
• Excessive itching of the eye, one can feel an excessive urge to rub their eyes.
• Yellowish discharge of mucus from the eyes, especially at night.
• Trouble in opening the eyes in the morning as the eyelids get stuck, due to discharge of mucus.
• There will be pain in the eyes.
• Excessive swelling of eyes and eyelids.
• Some may experience blurred vision.
• Increase in tears of the eyes.
• In cases, where cause is bacterial or viral infection, there can be flu like symptoms.

What to do for Pink Eye Infection

Looking at the above symptoms, it is evident that pink eye can be the most irritating infection one can face and a person is bound to ask in frustration "what to do for pink eye treatment?" So before you shout in frustration, let's take a look at the pinkeye treatments

• The first thing you must do when you have a pink eye is, visit a doctor because though, it is very curable, ignoring it will lead to further complications.
• The physician will prescribe medications according to the cause of pink eye. For bacterial pink eye infection he may prescribe some oral antibiotics along with eye-drops or ointments.
• In the case of a viral pink eye infection the treatment will consist of giving antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medicines.
• Pink eye caused due to allergens can be reduced by a cool compress, three to four times a day. Avoiding any contact with irritating agents like smoke and spray will also help.

Alternative Pink Eye Remedies

Natural remedies are sometimes more effective than antibiotic eye drops and ointments. These pink eye home remedies will address all your queries on what to do for pink eye.

• Add a few leaves of herb fennel in water and boil. Strain the leaves, after the solution cools, wash the eyes with the solution. It helps in clearing blurred vision caused by pink eye.
• Aloe Vera gel can also be used to wash the infected eye. Aloe Vera can reduce inflammation.
• Applying castor oil thrice can reduce the redness of the eye, even keeping a damp chamomile tea bag on the infected pink eye for few minutes at night can act as a cold compress.
• You can also place a tea bag dipped in warm water on the eyelid to lessen the pain and irritation.

Apart from these important tips, some precautions that you must take are, not to touch or rub the infected eye, do not share a towel or handkerchief, do not use contact lenses while you are suffering from pink eye. Don't ignore pink eye as an infection that would last only for a day or two. You must consult a doctor and take proper treatment to prevent the infection from getting serious. I hope the above tips and remedies help you the next time, you are faced with the question, what to do for pink eye?