Conjunctivitis - How Can Ayurveda Help?

Swelling of the conjunctiva membrane due to an infection is called conjunctivitis. It can affect one or both eyes. The blood vessels get inflamed and the eye looks red or pink. Pink eye is the common name of conjunctivitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of conjunctivitis are very obvious:

• The white part of the affected eye appears reddish because the membrane which is affected is a layer that covers the white.

• The affected eye is extremely itchy.

• The eyelids get swollen.

• It is painful, especially when the surroundings are bright.

• A crusty layer may or may not form during sleeping and it can make it difficult to open the eye.

The infection typically affects one eye first and catches on to the other eye within a day because it is highly contagious. People in contact with the affected person are highly susceptible to contracting the infection.

Causes

This highly contagious infection is painful and itchy and needs immediate attention. The treatment is the same no matter what the cause. The main causes are:

• Bacterial infection (indicated by sticky secretion).

• Viral infection (indicated by a watery secretion).

• In infants, it can be the cause of a partially opened tear duct.

• Sometimes it happens due to an allergic reaction.

• A Chemical reaction.

Immediate Action

Before going to a doctor and getting medicines, some immediate steps must be taken. Here are some things to do to reduce the discomfort and prevent the infection from spreading.

• Contact lenses must be removed to prevent further infection. Infected contact lenses must be discarded or disinfected.

• Contact with other people must be avoided. Direct physical contact, using the same towel or eye products must be avoided.

• Avoiding touching the unaffected eye, it might prevent infection of the second eye.

• Using a lukewarm compress can relieve some of the pain.

• Using an over-the-counter hydrating eye drop can relieve some of the itchiness and the annoying sensation of having something in the eye.

Treating Conjunctivitis in Ayurvedic Way

Antibiotics have a lot of side effects and it does not sit well with some people. This is why a more natural approach is recommended. Ayurveda helps treat all the symptoms with zero side effects. Ayurvedic treatment is effective because it has everything needed:

• Anti-inflammatory properties.

• Antioxidants.

• Antibacterial properties.

Ayurvedic treatment always works for conjunctivitis and does not cause any side effects. It is best to prevent getting infected altogether though. Using fresh sheets, fresh towels, disinfected eyewear and avoiding touching the eyes before disinfecting the hands can help.

Take Away

Conjunctivitis is one irritating eye infection which is contagious in its nature. However, it can be cured with proper care and ayurvedic treatment. It is always advisable to consult an ayurvedic specialist before going for any of the ayurvedic treatment.