Conjunctivitis, also often referred to as pink eye, is associated with a viral infection of the eye, particularly the conjunctiva.
What is Conjunctiva?
Before diving right into the specifications of conjunctivitis, we should first discuss this important part of the eye known as conjunctiva. It is a transparent, thin covering that shields the eye. It protects the interior of your eyelids and the white portion of the eye (sclera).
The conjunctiva produces a mucous layer that is composed of your tears. The conjunctiva safeguards and moisturizes the eye. It serves as a protective barrier between your eyes’ sensitive tissues and whatever could potentially irritate them. The conjunctiva shields the white of your eye.
The conjunctiva collaborates with your tear and meibomian ducts to produce tears. Your lacrimal glands produce the watery portion of tears. Tears are formed when a watery liquid interacts with conjunctival mucus and lubricant from your meibomian glands.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
Pink eye has several typical symptoms. Most of the symptoms also occur with other eye disorders. The typical signs include:
- Redness on the eyelids’ interior or in the eye’s white (sclera).
- Eye discharge is often heavier than regular tear fluid and might seem yellowish, greenish, or white; it can create a coating on the lashes or eyelids.
- Foreign object sense (feeling as if something is trapped in your eye yet there is nothing there).
- Dry or wet eyes.
- Itchy or itchy eyes.
- Blazing eyes.
- Blurred eyesight (may appear and disappear).
- The sensitivity to sunlight (photophobia).
- Bulging eyelids (blepharitis).
- Eye discomfort or aches (often slight).
What are the risk factors of Conjunctivitis?
There are several warning signs for conjunctivitis, including:
- Hand sanitation. Conjunctivitis is readily transmitted from the palms to your face. If you don’t wash or sanitize your hands regularly, you may be more susceptible to developing this ailment.
- Age. Viral conjunctivitis affects both adults and children, although bacterial conjunctivitis is much more prevalent among kids under the age of four. There is also an increased risk for persons in their twenties, however, scientists are unsure why.
- Season of the year. Allergic conjunctivitis is more frequent during the change of weather. Infectious types of eye flu tend to be more prevalent during the season of influenza and colds.
- Medical history. Seasonal allergies and allergy-related diseases such as dermatitis might increase your risk of developing conjunctivitis.
- Sharing personal stuff. Contagious types of conjunctivitis are easily transmitted to specific things, particularly eye-related products such as makeup and lens containers. The infectious forms may also readily spread on fabrics such as washcloths, towels, and pillows.
What are the types of Conjunctivitis?
There are three forms: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Irritating agents, such as foreign bodies in the eye, substances, or pollution, can also induce conjunctivitis.
Viral conjunctivitis.
Virus infections account for roughly 80% of the total conjunctivitis occurrences. Many viruses, including adenovirus, which causes the common flu, can be the root of infection. Viral conjunctivitis transmits readily through contact, causing outbreaks prevalent in schools or childcare facilities.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial spread, however rare, may trigger conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic responses happen when your body reacts inappropriately to an irritant that is ordinarily not harmful. In this situation, mast cells in your eye detect allergens as foreign invaders and produce histamine as a defensive response. In turn, histamine produces swelling and edema, making your eyes red, tearful, and irritating.
Allergens which lead to runny noses and sniffling can also harm your eyes. These triggers include dust, dirt, pollen, pet fur, the growth of mold, and fumes. Certain fragrances, cosmetics or optical products, and pharmaceuticals may also cause eye allergies. For example, certain nonprescription or prescriptive eye drops include preservatives that might trigger allergic responses.
What are the homeopathic medicines for Conjunctivitis or Eye Flu or Pink Eye?
The following are a few of the primary medicines indicated in the homeopathic management of conjunctivitis:
Aconite is a medicine with a strong action on the eyes. It is appropriate in the initial phases of infections, particularly when inflammation occurs unexpectedly and aggressively. The eyes seem hot, dry, and glistening, and they are light-sensitive.
This cure, prepared from red onion, will aid with conjunctivitis, which causes the eyes to hurt, burn, and moisten. There is an irrepressible want to stroke the eyes, which frequently seem bloodshot. The eyes also happen to be often vulnerable to bright light, and complaints improve in the open air.
Apis is useful when there is significant puffiness of the eyes, in addition to a burning and stinging sensation. The eyes are wet, and the tears are burning. The conjunctiva of the eyes seems red and enlarged, although cold treatments alleviate the symptoms.
Dulcamara is commonly used for head colds that spread to the eyes, leading in severe conjunctivitis. The eyes get inflamed, and there is the characteristic sticky yellow discharge. The symptoms frequently appear in or are worsened by moist weather.
In instances that react to Merc sol, one’s eyelids become pink and swollen with an unpleasant, burning discharge that irritates the eyes. Tears are typically abundant, burning, and irritating. Symptoms are typically severe in both hot and cold weather, especially at night. Merc sol is frequently required for head colds that spread to the eyes if the symptom profile matches.
Nux vomica is frequently used for severe conjunctivitis with red eyes and extreme photo-sensitivity, particularly when symptoms worsen in the early morning. The eyes irritate and burn, and scratching relieves the discomfort. Symptoms may include eye twitching and blinking.
Pulsatilla is recommended for acute conjunctivitis with irritated eyelids, particularly thick and abundant yellow discharge. The eyes usually ache and burn, which causes rubbing. Symptoms are usually worse in the evenings and warm rooms. It is among the most common treatments for colds that spread to the eyes, particularly in youngsters with similar symptoms.
Homeopathy is an effective way of managing your health in all aspects, including eye complaints. Conjunctivitis can bother you in a great way and may hinder your day-to-day activities. Homeopathic medicines provide fast, safe, gentle, and effective treatment. Always consult a qualified homeopathic physician and avoid self-medication.
Dr Kiran Swami
Dr. Kiran Swami, BHMS, MD (Hom.), a Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., holds degrees from Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. With expertise in homeopathy and a passion for research, she drives innovation in holistic healthcare solutions.