Home Remedies for Pink Eye

Presentation by The Hargrave Eye Center

What is pink eye?

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin layer covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. It can be both infectious and sometimes non-infectious. – Mayo Clinic

How long does it last?

• Pink eye is very common.

• It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment.

Source: WebMD

What are the different types?

• According to the WebMD, there are 3 types: • 1. Viral • 2. Allergic • 3. Bacterial

Causes & Symptoms

• Most cases of pink eye are caused by infections caused by viruses or bacteria.

• Pink eye is also caused by:• Dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind & sun• Chemicals, fumes, or smoke • And allergies.

Source: WebMD

Causes & Symptoms

• No surprise: the primary symptom of pink eye is an eye that has a pink appearance.

• Other symptoms of pink eye depend on the type of conjunctivitis you have.

Source: WebMD

1. Viral Causes

• Viral pinkeye is often caused by an adenovirus, which is common respiratory virus that can also cause a sore throat or upper respiratory infection. - WebMD

Image Source: www.totaleyecarecenters.com/levittown/pink-eye.htm

Viral Symptoms

• Redness in the white of the eye.

• Swelling, itching or burning feeling of the eyelids.

• Swollen and tender areas in front of the ears.

• A lot of tearing and appearance of slightly thick, whitish drainage.

Source: WebMD

2. Allergic Causes

• Caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust and animal dander among susceptible individuals.

• Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal (pollen) or flare up year-round

Source: WebMD

Image Source: www.totaleyecarecenters.com/levittown/pink-eye.htm

Allergic Symptoms

• Itching

• Running Nose

• Eyelids Burning

• Mild drainage

Source: WebMD

3. Bacterial Causes

• Both viral and bacterial types are very contagious.

• They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of someone who’s infected.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children

• Source: Mayo Clinic Image Source: www.totaleyecarecenters.com/levittown/pink-eye.htm

Bacterial Symptoms

• Mild pain

• Gray drainage

• Redness or eyes

• Upper eyelid swelling

Source: Mayo Clinic

Treatments

1. Viral Treatment

• In most cases, no treatment is available for viral conjunctivitis.

• Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication if your condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Source: Mayo Clinic

2. Allergic Treatment

• A doctor may prescribe eye drops including:

• a combination of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers (to control allergic reaction)

• decongestants, steroids and anti-inflammatory eye drops (to control inflammation)

Source: Mayo Clinic

3. Bacterial Treatment

• Prescription antibiotic treatment usually kills the bacteria that cause pinkeye.

Source: WebMD

Natural Remedy Treatment

Home Treatment Remedies

• Home treatment for pink eye will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage.

• Source: Mayo Clinic

• If you wear contacts, remove them and wear glasses until your symptoms have gone away completely.

Barberry Plant

• Boil some leaves in water and allow the solution to cool before rinsing eyes with it.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Boric Acid

• Boric acid mixed with water is a great eyewash for pink eye.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Goldenseal

• Mix 1/8 tsp of goldenseal, chamomile and comfrey in a cup of boiled water. Let it remain for 15 min., strain the mixture and use it as an eye wash.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Honey

• Mix honey with water or milk, and apply the mixture directly on eyes, or make eyewash from 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 cups of water.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Potato

• Slide raw potato and place on the affected eyes to ease the infection.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Teas

• Place a moist tea bag, preferably black tea. The tannins present in black tea work to ease the infection.

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Precautions

Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Don’t touch your eyes with your hands

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Wash your hands often

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Don’t share towels or washcloths

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Change your pillowcases often

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items

Source: http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-to-get-relief-from-pink-eye/?ref=loh

Contact The Hargrave Eye Center:

• To contact Dr. Sylvia Hargrave or to make an appointment at the The Hargrave Eye Center located in Dallas, TX, fill out our Contact Form Here

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