Natural Cures: Pink Eye

My Grandmother used black tea to treat pink eye when I got it as a kid. She would put a few drops in my eye every few hours. It was cured after a couple days.

When our kids were toddlers, they tended to wake up once or twice a year with some serious goop in their eyes. I mean scary goopy in which you weren't sure how they could lift those eyelids off the eyeball. We would head straight to the produce in the house. Shred either apples or potatoes, then get your child to lay down somewhere you don't mind a stray piece of apple or potato to land.. Grab a handful of the shredded apple/potato and place a mound over both eyes, being careful not to touch the goop yourself. Then tell the kid(s) a great story so they will lay still for 10 minutes or so. We even took photos, made a bit of deal out of it, so they could see themselves with apples/potatoes on their eyes. We did this once, sometimes twice in the same day, and the goop was much less apparent by the next morning if not already gone.

How long does Pink Eye Last?

Generally, viral pink eye will resolve itself in 8 to 10 days. In bacterial cases, treatment with antibiotics can bring about a cure in 3 to 5 days.

Types of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

* Bacterial Conjunctivitis - This is an infection most often caused by Staph or Strep bacteria from the patient's own skin or respiratory system. Infection can also occur by transmittal from insects, other people (physical touch), or by contaminated eye makeup and facial lotions.

* Viral Conjunctivitis - This infection is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. The primary means of contracting this is by exposure to upper respiratory tract symptoms that create a aerosol of contamination (e.g. coughing, sneezing).

* Allergic Conjunctivitis - This occurs most commonly among people who already have common seasonal allergies. At some point, they either develop or come into contact with a substance that triggers an allergic reaction in their eyes. Usually, this is triggered by a cosmetic, perfume, protein deposits on contact lenses, and drugs (less frequent). Both eyes are generally afflicted and swelling is exhibited.

* Giant Papillary Cojunctivitis - This is thought to be an allergic reaction to a chronic foreign body in the eye. This condition occurs predominantly with people who use hard contact lenses, or have ocular prosthetics.

In India, where the ancient medical system of Ayurveda is practiced, there are several remedies for most types of conjunctivitis; for example, goat milk is used in its purified form for certain cases and ointment made out of purified tender coconut water mixed with herbs. These are believed by Ayurvedic adherents to sooth the eyes and promote an environment in which organisms cannot thrive.

Certain supplements such as Similisan have also shown to be effective at soothing the redness, irritation, itchiness, and discharge symptoms associated with pink eye. Euphrasia Officinalis (also known as Eye Bright) is a flowering plant found in alpine or sub-alpine meadows where snow is common. Extracts of Eye Bright have been used for centuries in restoring vision and reliving symptoms associated with eye infections.

The tannin content in Eyebright accounts for its astringent properties. It tightens membranes surrounding the eyes and prevents secretion of fluids, reducing excess phlegm and mucus in the eyes, sinuses and upper respiratory tract. It also soothes the mucous membranes, easing catarrh and relieving the discomforts of minor irritations.

Eyebright is said to be effective in treating allergies, itchy and/or watery eyes and runny nose and is also thought to combat hay fever. The herb is a bitter, astringent herb that is used to relieve inflammation and infectious conditions associated with colds, coughs and sore throats.