Treat Eye Infections with Natural Treatments

Eye infections are a pretty common health issue. They can affect people at any age, making no exception. Due to viruses, bacteria and allergies, the infection can affect one eye or, sometimes, even both. Other causes that can affect the health of the eye are poor hygiene, surgery, trauma, exposure to an infected person and to toxic chemicals. Eye infections are not what you can call a life threatening concern but they do cause pain and inflammation. Let’s see which are the most common eye infections:

• Blepharitis: When the tiny oil glands next to the base of the eyelashes clog, then the eyelids become infected. It feels like your eyelids are burning and they become itchy. It can cause intermittent tearing.
• Conjunctivitis: The irritation causes the eye to become red. The main cause of this infection is a virus, but sometimes, you might deal with an allergy or bacteria infection.
• Keratitis: The infection is triggered by the presence of a strange body in the eye that injures the cornea. Viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi gather around the injury, affecting the health of the eye.

The most usual symptoms of eye infections are crusting around the eye, excessive tearing, yellow discharge, swollen eyelids, itching, redness and obviously, pain. These symptoms manifest themselves depending on the intensity of the infection. Meanwhile, you can try some natural remedies at home, to ease the healing process.

Euphrasia (eyebright)

This is one of the most effective remedies for irritation and eye infections, especially pink eye and conjuctivitis. The eyebright fights the infection and dries the extra fluid, proving itself a wonderful adjuvant in the healing process. Just simmer 1 teaspoon of eyebright herb in 1 cup of water. Let it cool and then strain it. Wash your eyes with this solution a couple of times daily. Another way you can use this herb is in the form of eye drops. To clear the infection, just put one drop in each eye a few times a day .

Warm Compresses

This remedy is most effective for conjunctivitis and sty. It reduces swelling and pain thanks to the heat from the warm compress. To help cure your infection, just dip a clean towel in hot water, get rid of the excess liquid and then hold the cloth on your closed eyes for 5 minutes. Repeat until you feel better.

Honey

Honey’s antibacterial characteristics can help you get rid of the harmful bacteria in the eye. If you want the best results, use organic or Manuka honey. Mix equal parts of distilled water and honey until it is even. Using a sterile cotton ball, apply the mixture on the closed eyes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day, until there are no more symptoms.

Before you start using any natural remedies, make sure you get your eyes checked by a doctor first. If left untreated, any medical issue can turn into a possible tragedy for your eyesight.