Redness, itching, eye irritation?
Conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable, but fortunately, there are simple and effective solutions to relieve it quickly.
Discover how to treat this condition with natural remedies and proper care.
Contents
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that protects and lines the eye.
This inflammation leads to red eyes, often accompanied by other symptoms such as tearing or a sandy feeling in the eyes.
– Main causes of conjunctivitis
Types of conjunctivitis are classified based on their origin:
- Viral conjunctivitis: Highly contagious, often associated with a cold or flu.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Causes pus discharge and intense irritation.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen or cosmetic products.
- Mechanical conjunctivitis: Result of irritation (chemicals, excessive rubbing).
– Symptoms to recognize
- Red eyes.
- Frequent tearing.
- Irritation or itching.
- Burning or sandy feeling in the eye.
- Clear discharge (viral/allergic) or purulent discharge (bacterial).
If you notice these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a professional to confirm the diagnosis.
– Recommended treatments for each type of conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
- Use artificial tears to relieve dryness.
- Avoid sharing towels or pillows as this form is highly contagious.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Treat with an antibiotic ointment or eye drops, prescribed by a doctor.
- Maintain good eye hygiene by gently cleaning the eyelids.
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Limit exposure to allergens.
- Take oral antihistamines or apply anti-allergy eye drops.
- Mechanical conjunctivitis
- Immediately rinse the eyes with saline solution if exposed to chemicals.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes.
Natural remedies to relieve conjunctivitis
To complement medical treatment or relieve mild symptoms, try these natural solutions:
Rinsing with salt water
Physiological saline is ideal for complete eye washing.
It is all the more important when the infection has spread and affects visual comfort.
Apply a few drops of sterile saline solution between two prescribed eye drops helps your eyes regain health faster while providing relief (ad).
Cornflower water
Cornflower water has very interesting decongestant properties to soothe reddened, irritated and swollen eyes.
It also has a very strong anti-inflammatory action, which makes it the ideal remedy for inflammation of the eyes.
Harmless to the eye, regularly apply compresses with cornflower floral water on the eyelids to benefit from all its virtues (ad).
Hydrating gel
Carbomers are very effective in combating dry eyes.
They are more treating than simple artificial tears because their duration of action is longer due to their texture.
Apply a few drops of a carbomer gel regularly to rehydrate a watery eye is very indicated in cases of conjunctivitis (ad).
Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver is unknown and yet its virtues are endless.
Both antibacterial, antibiotic and antifungal, it can also be deposited in the eye for its silver ions to relieve conjunctivitis.
A few drops of a 10ppm colloidal silver solution work wonders for the eyes! (ad)
Honey drops
The virtues of honey are also effective against conjunctivitis even if that seems surreal to you.
Boil a cup of mineral water, let cool, then add a teaspoon of honey.
Fill a dropper bottle and instill one to two drops in each eye several times a day.
Can’t believe it? You forget that honey is antibacterial and antiseptic.
You can also apply pure honey to the eyelid to relieve inflammation.
How to relieve eye strain
If your daily activities strain your eyes a lot and generate visual fatigue, redness, and headaches, I highly recommend this eye massager (ad).
A massage before bedtime brings you total relaxation, strengthens blood circulation, reduces swelling, and allows you to better resist fatigue and above all less scratching your eyes at the risk of triggering conjunctivitis.
Preventing conjunctivitis: Best practices
Adopting simple yet effective habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing conjunctivitis, whether viral, bacterial, or allergic.
Here are essential recommendations to follow daily:
- Hand hygiene
Wash your hands regularly with water and soap, especially before touching your eyes or face.
Alcohol-based gels can be useful when water isn’t available, but washing with soap and water remains the most effective method to eliminate germs. - Avoid touching your eyes
Resist the temptation to rub your eyes, especially if your hands are not clean.
This can introduce bacteria or viruses into the ocular mucous membranes and increase the risk of infection. - Personal items hygiene
Don’t share towels, tissues, glasses, or eye makeup.
Make sure to clean your glasses, contact lenses, and their cases regularly, following the recommended maintenance instructions. - Avoid irritating environments
Environments full of dust, smoke, or chemicals can irritate your eyes and weaken their natural defenses.
Wear protective glasses if exposed to these elements and avoid known allergens whenever possible. - Boost your natural defenses
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and stay hydrated.
These habits contribute to maintaining a strong immune system that can fight infections effectively. - Protect your eyes outdoors
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays, wind, or airborne particles, especially if you live in a polluted area or one with frequent winds. - Monitor your allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, follow a preventive treatment to avoid allergic reactions that can lead to conjunctivitis.
Consult an allergist if necessary.
When to see a doctor?
Consult a professional promptly if:
- Symptoms persist or worsen.
- You experience intense pain or a decrease in vision.
- Conjunctivitis is accompanied by fever or other signs of infection.
How to treat conjunctivitis naturally
Conjunctivitis can be extremely uncomfortable, but there are effective ways to treat it and relieve symptoms.
Whether through medical treatments or natural remedies, it’s important to take care of your eyes and consult a healthcare professional promptly to avoid complications.
Frequently asked questions about conjunctivitis
How long does conjunctivitis last?
The duration varies based on the origin:
– Viral: 1 to 2 weeks, symptoms gradually decreasing.
– Bacterial: Typically, 3 to 5 days with proper treatment.
– Allergic: It lasts as long as exposure to the allergen persists.
A quick improvement is possible if the right actions are taken early.
Why is conjunctivitis more common in the summer?
In summer, factors such as prolonged sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated pools or contaminated lakes, and an increase in allergens (pollen) can irritate the eyes and promote conjunctivitis. Wearing sunglasses and rinsing after swimming helps minimize these risks.
What household products can trigger conjunctivitis?
Certain chemicals, like detergents, solvents, or paints, as well as fine particles from dust or smoke, can cause irritative conjunctivitis.
Wear protective glasses and ventilate rooms when using these products to minimize risks.
Are children at higher risk for conjunctivitis?
Yes, children are more likely to develop conjunctivitis because they tend to touch their eyes frequently and share personal items (toys, towels) in communal environments like schools. Teaching hygiene rules from an early age is crucial to prevent infections.
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