Home Remedies For Eye Infections.

Category: Health And Nutrition

An eye infection is a very common problem that can affect people of any age. The infection can be due to bacteria, viruses, allergies or other microbiological means and can affect one or both eyes.
There are many different types of eye infections, such as:

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye: This infection causes the eye to redden as well as causes irritation. It is usually due to a virus, but can sometimes be bacterial or an allergic reaction.
• Sty or hordeolum: This is caused by staphlococcal bacteria that live on the skin surface. It leads to the formation of a red lump on the eyelid or at the base of an eyelash. It can be itchy or painful.
• Blepharitis: This happens when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged and the eyelids become infected. It leads to intense itching and burning sensations. It can also cause intermittent tearing and a feeling that something is in the eye.
• Orbital cellulitis: In this bacterial infection, the tissues surrounding the eye become infected. It can be a dangerous infection and may lead to lasting problems.
• Keratitis: This infection involving bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites is mainly caused due to presence of a foreign body in the eye, which causes injury to the cornea.
• Dacryocystitis: This infection occurs in the tear duct.

Immune deficiencies, trauma, surgery, exposure to harmful chemicals, poor hygiene and exposure to someone with a contagious eye infection can also lead to infections of various types.
A few common symptoms of eye infections are excessive tearing, redness, swollen eyelids, pain, itching, a feeling of sand in the eye, yellow discharge or crusting around the eye. The symptoms may vary in intensity from mild to severe, depending on the extent and type of infection.
Home remedies for eye infections.

1. Warm Compresses

This is one of the most effective remedies for styes or conjunctivitis. The heat from the warm compress increases blood circulation to the area and promotes healing. It also helps reduce pain and swelling and prevent further infection.

1. Dip a clean, lint-free towel in hot water and wring out the excess liquid.
2. Hold this warm, moist cloth on your closed eyelid for 5 minutes at a time.
3. Repeat a few times more.
4. Clean any oily debris or scales collected on the eyelids or eyelashes using a clean cloth.
5. Use this treatment several times a day until you feel better.

Note: If the infection is in both the eyes, use separate warm compresses for each eye.

2. Eyebright

Eyebright (euphrasia) is another effective herbal treatment for eye infections and irritation, especially conjunctivitis or pink eye.
The infection-fighting and fluid-drying power of eyebright speeds up the healing process and prevents spreading of the infection.
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine notes that euphrasia single-dose eye drops is effective for various conjunctival conditions.

• Simmer 1 teaspoon of eyebright herb in 1 cup of water for about 10 minutes. Allow it to cool, then strain it using a clean cheesecloth. Use this solution as an eye wash, a couple of times daily.
• You can also use homeopathy euphrasia 10% eye drops to get rid of eye irritation or inflammation. Put one drop in each eye a few times a day daily until the infection clears.

3. Saline Solution

You can use a homemade saline solution to get rid of an eye infection. A saline solution rinse is good for irritated, inflamed and itchy eyes.
It helps wash away debris collected in the eyes and controls the infection, thus ensuring that the infection does not spread.

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the solution and allow it to cool completely.
3. Use it to thoroughly rinse the affected eye.
4. Do this home treatment a couple of times a day.

Note: If possible, use distilled water since tap water may contain chemicals and impurities.

4. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver can also be used to reduce eye irritation and itching caused by viral and bacterial infections. It contains tiny silver particles suspended in water that, when used as eye drops, pick up the infected cells by attracting them electromagnetically. These infected cells are then sent into the bloodstream to be eliminated.

• Put 2 drops of colloidal silver in each eye and blink a little. Use it twice a day until the infection clears.
• Another option is to buy over-the-counter colloidal silver ointment and apply it around the eyes to prevent itching.

5. Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria in the eye that may be causing an infection.
A 2006 study published in Cornea highlights the antibacterial effect of honey on the ocular flora in tear deficiency and meibomian gland disease.
For best results, use manuka honey or organically raised honey.

• Thoroughly mix equal parts of honey and distilled water. Using a clean cotton ball, apply the solution to the eye. Use this treatment 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms have cleared.
• You can also put a drop of honey directly in the eye. Through natural tearing, the honey will help get rid of any dirt, debris or discharge in the eye. Use it 2 or 3 times a day.

6. Green Tea

Green tea is rich in tannic acid that can help keep infections at bay. It can provide relief from itchy eyes as well as reduce under-eye puffiness. It also contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that contribute to overall eye health.

1. Soak 2 green tea bags in hot water for a few seconds.
2. Remove the bags from the water, squeeze out the excess water and put both the tea and the tea bags in the refrigerator to cool.
3. First, use the cool tea to wash your eyes.
4. Then, place the cold, moist tea bags on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Repeat up to 3 times a day until the symptoms are gone.

Instead of green tea bags, you can use black tea bags.