How to Treat and Prevent Pink Eye Symptoms

Pink eye or conjunctivitis affects millions of people in North America. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva which is the outer protective layer of the cornea. Pink eye symptoms include eyes stuck together upon waking in the morning, the feeling of sand being caught in the eye and red, itchy, sore eyes that may also have a sticky, gritty discharge. Conventional treatment for pink eye has been the use of antibiotics. However, growing concerns of serious health risks associated with overuse of antibiotics has prompted the search for effective alternative treatments. Another drawback of using antibiotics is that they only are able to treat infections caused by bacteria. A majority of pink eye infections today are viral in nature.

There are many herbs that can be used both internally and externally, that have been found to be effective treatment for conjunctivitis. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are extremely contagious and therefore immediate treatment should be administered and precautions taken to prevent its spread to others. Hands should be washed several times daily and kleenex used when coughing or sneezing. Contact with eyes should be prevented and contact with others limited as much as possible. Chlorinated pools, contact lenses and eye makeup should be avoided and the pillowcase should be changed daily until the infection has passed.

There are several health conditions that can trigger the onset of pink eye symptoms which include allergies, the common cold, staph infections, herpes virus, eye injury, chemicals, animal dander and the measles. Prolonged exposure to sunlamps have also been known to cause conjunctivitis. Other factors that contribute to pink eye symptoms are chlorine from swimming pools, smoke, dust, air pollution and wind. People who wear contact lenses may want to ensure there lenses are being adequately cleaned each day if pink eye infections are recurrent. Chronic conjunctivitis is a serious health condition that can cause permanent damage to the eyes. If the condition is persistent it may be linked to an underlying health condition. Usually this is found to be rheumatic arthritis or lupus.

As soon as pink eye symptoms develop, sufferers should drink herbal teas daily until the condition has passed and make sure water intake is at least eight glasses per day. Herbs useful for external use include marigold, rose petals, raspberry leaves, vervain, elderflowers, camomile, marshmallow root and witch hazel. Useful herbal teas include honeysuckle flower, chrysanthemum, bamboo leaves, selfheal flowers. These herbs can also be used as an eyewash.

Herbs for internal use include garlic, echinacea, myrrh, and greater celandine. Combinations combine powerful antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Goldenseal is also effective but should be used alone. Vitamins and minerals needed for immune support and healing include A, B2, C, E and zinc. Bilberry can also be used to help restore eyes to a healthy state. Prevention is always the best medicine. Once pink eye symptoms have passed, always avoid substances from diet and environment that contribute to the condition and eat a healthy diet to strengthen the immune system and prevent future occurrences.