Conditions

Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the outer part of the eye, which is better known as "pink eye." There are several types of conjunctivitis:

• Viral conjunctivitis (most common)
• Bacterial conjunctivitis
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Contact conjunctivitis
• Giant papillary conjunctivitis (believed to be caused by long-term contact lens use)
• Traumatic conjunctivitis

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pink or red coloration in the whites of the eyes.
• Swollen eyelids
• Yellowish discharge from the eye
• Eye may be "glued shut" upon waking
• Eye may burn or itch or feel like something is in it, during the early stages of this condition
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis:

Usually, diagnosis is done through a physical exam in which your doctor will have you look around so he or she can check the eye. The doctor might order a culture, however this is very unlikely. Or he or she may have you take a standard visual acuity test.

Treatment Options:

Time is usually the best treatment for conjunctivitis, but close monitoring is important. There are also some treatments that may help relieve symptoms.

Traditional Treatments:

• Warm-water compresses are the treatment of choice. Many of the microorganisms that cause conjunctivitis are very heat sensitive. The heat also loosens up debris and increases blood flow through the area, which helps the body's natural defense mechanisms. Apply for ten minutes, four to six times daily. Clean your eyes with warm water and wash your hands before and after the treatment. Clean the compress (or if disposable ­ throw away) with hot water, detergent and chlorine bleach if possible.
• If you can see no improvement in the condition in four to five days, or if the infection seems to be worsening, consult a doctor to determine if it might be bacterial in origin. If conjunctivitis is bacterial, a prescription for antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops may be appropriate.
• If you have a diagnosed case of allergic conjunctivitis your doctor may prescribe steroid drops to help decrease inflammation and relieve itching.
  Warning: If there is even a small chance of a herpes infection, steroid drops should not be used. This can be very dangerous, as the combination of steroids and a herpes infection can result in ulceration through the surface of the eye.
• Your doctor may recommend a topical antihistamine and decongestant in a form specifically designed for use in the eyes, to help reduce itching, swelling and redness in cases of allergic conjunctivitis. Cool compresses may also be comforting in this situation.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

• Mild to moderate cases of conjunctivitis may respond well to alternative treatment.
• Antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections. For mild cases, begin with compresses.
• For moderate infection, use an eyewash as well. In the case of chronic or recurrent infection, nutritional support is suggested. Homeopathic remedies may be used for symptomatic relief.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• Take 25,000 IU of beta-carotene twice a day for five to seven days.
• Take 500 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C with bioflavonoids three times a day for five to seven days.
• Take 25 mg of zinc three times a day for seven days. Take zinc with food to prevent stomach upset.

Alternative Therapies:

• Calendula, chamomile, fennel, and/or eyebright herbal teas can be used to make hot compresses. Eyebright can also be taken orally in capsule or tea form. It is good for any eye irritation or inflammation. The tea can also be used to rinse the eyes.
• Goldenseal, used as an alternative or in addition to eyebright, is very useful if conjunctivitis is caused by and infection. Warning: Do not use goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy.
• Echinacea stimulates the immune system. Take 500 mg of echinacea every two hours, for a total of five doses, during the first day. After that, take one dose three times daily until your condition improves, for up to one week.
• The homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla can treat a thick yellowish discharge from your eyes that causes them to be matted closed in the morning.

General Recommendations:

• Avoid touching your eyes to keep from reinfecting them. Keep your hands washed.
• Do not go swimming until the infection clears.
• If your eyelids are swollen, try peeling and grating a fresh potato, wrapping it in gauze, and placing it over your eyes. This acts as an astringent and has a healing effect.

Warnings:

• If at any time the infection seems to be getting worse; if your eye looks cloudy; if there is a thick, green discharge from your eye; if your eye continues swelling or shutting; or if you become increasingly sensitive to light; call your doctor. These are all signs of a worsening infection, or a possible herpes infection. A herpes infection in the eye is a serious, potentially sight-threatening infection that should be treated by an ophthalmologist.
• If there is even a small chance of a herpes infection, steroid drops should not be used. This can be very dangerous, as the combination of steroids and a herpes infection can result in ulceration through the surface of the eye.