Home Remedy for Pink Eye

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, can be caused by a number of factors. These include allergies (such as to animals or pollen), bacteria, viruses, and chemical agents. Some forms of pink eye are contagious - this includes those caused by viruses and bacteria.

Bacterial pink eye is generally caused by staphylococci, pneumococci, and streptococci, although chlamydia can also lead to conjunctivitis if the eye is infected. This is a common problem in cats with pink eye.

Viral pink eye usually clears up 7 to 10 days later, and other flu-like symptoms will also be present. The discharge in viral pink eye is usually clear and watery, whilst in bacterial pink eye it is yellowish. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies and chemicals is not contagious.

Bacterial pink eye is usually treated with antibiotics. This treatment should be pursued if it doesn't clear up 4 days after trying a nutritional home remedy for pink eye.

What are the options for treating pink eye naturally?

Vitamins

Vitamins form the basis of a good naturopathic-inspired home remedy for pink eye. Vitamin A is recommended at a dose of 25,000IU per day for a month, then 15,000IU per day after this. This dosage is for adults, and pregnant women should not take this much, as there is potential danger to the fetus. For RDA tables of vitamins for children and adults, click here.

Other important vitamins include vitamins C and zinc. They both help support the immune system, which is helpful in both bacterial and viral pink eye, but especially viral. Vitamin C is also helpful in reducing inflammation. A suggestion is to take 2,000 to 6,000mg per day.

Other antioxidant nutrients that are specific for eye health include the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. You can read more about them here.

Herbs

Herbs are a good home remedy for pink eye that can be used as warm compress to bathe the affected eye. This is very soothing, and can provide relief in all types of conjunctivitis. Good herbs to use for this include calendula, chamomile, fennel and eyebright. Simply make the tea up and then use a clean cloth to bather the eye.

Heat is good in treating pink eye because many of the specimens causing it don't like heat. Of course, don't burn your eye, but try making them as hot as can be tolerated. If you're doing this for children or another person, however, be careful!

Bathe the eye several times a day.

Nutrition

Good foods to eat include leafy green vegetables, and any that are rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. The latter includes tomato juice. But raw fruit and vegetables that have a high antioxidant and vitamin C content are recommended.

Home remedies for pink eye should be used with sensitivity. If the conjunctivitis is not clearing up after 4 days, or there is pain or blurring of vision, you should go to a doctor straight away.

Chinese food home remedy for pink eye:

Pork liver is considered to improve vision, and is helpful for night blindness, pink eyes, edema, and beriberi.

Other foods beneficial for pink eye are tofu, chicken egg and clams. Bitter gourd (wild cucumber), eaten on a regular basis, is good for eyesight, and the liver. It is useful for pink eyes and pain in the eyes. Regular cucumber is also beneficial. Water chestnut is another alternative.

An old home remedy for pink eye is to mix some boric acid powder with some warm water, then wash the corner of the eyes and the eyelids with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. This is done morning and evening until the eyes clear.