Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva, which is an outermost covering of the eye and the inner eyelids. Most common causes of conjunctivitis include infections and allergies. Conjunctivitis can be acute (of short duration), chronic (long-lasting) or recurring in nature. Conjunctivitis is probably the most common disorder of the eyes.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
- Redness
- Irritation
- Watery of eyes
- Thick, stringy discharge which may be yellowish or greenish in color
- Eye pain
- Swelling of the eye
- Sensation of particle in the eye
- Aversion to light
- Sneezing and runny nose in allergic conjunctivitis
Causative factors for conjunctivitis
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections (such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia)
- Irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and pool chlorine
- Allergies, like dust, pollen, or a special type of allergy that affects some contact lens wearers
- Other common causes include blepharitis, corneal abrasion, foreign body, subconjunctival hemorrhage, keratitis, iritis, glaucoma, chemical burn, and scleritis
Types of conjunctivitis
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by bacteria, such as staphylococci, streptococci or haemophilus.
- Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with the common cold. This may be caused by a virus called ‘adenovirus’. This type of conjunctivitis can spread rapidly.
- Chlamydia conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by an organism called Chlamydia trachomatis. This organism may also affect other parts of the body and can cause the sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Allergic conjunctivitis is common in people who have other signs of allergic disease, such as hay fever, asthma and eczema. The conjunctivitis is often caused by antigens like pollen, dust mites or cosmetics.
- Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis
- Perennial allergic conjunctivitis
- Contact dermatoconjunctivitis
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis
Homeopathic management
Homeopathic medicines for conjunctivitis are highly effective natural medicines. They can well manage the eye discharges, the swelling, redness and gritty sensation in the eyes. Homeopathic medicines help in quick recovery from conjunctivitis. If taken well in time, they shorten the disease course. They are safe to use without any side-effects.
Homeopathic medicines
Apis mellifica
Swollen, red, oedematous eyes. Burning and stinging in eyes. Conjunctiva bright, red and puffy. Lachrymation hot. Photophobia. Sudden piercing pains around the orbits. Serous exudation, edema and sharp pains in eyes. Keratitis with intense chemosis of ocular conjunctiva.
Argentum nitricum
Swelling with yellowish or pus-like discharge, and redness and inflammation of the whites and inner corners of the eyes, suggest the use of this remedy. The person’s eyes may be tired and achy, worse from light and warmth, and better from cool water, cold compresses, and fresh air.
Euphrasia officinalis
Euphrasia is also an excellent choice when marked redness and swelling of the eyes is accompanied with discharges. The discharges are acrid, watery and of irritating nature with intensely itchy eyes. Euphrasia works well when there is a thin watery eye discharge.
Sulphur
This remedy may be helpful if the eyes are very red and irritated, with burning, smarting, sticking pains and a nagging itch. The whites of the eyes look red and bloodshot, and the tears feel hot. Symptoms are worse from heat, and light will hurt the eyes. The eyelids may look contracted, especially in the morning.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum
This remedy used when the eyes feel sore or bruised, with inflammation and burning pain, or a feeling as if the eyes are being pulled back into the head, this remedy may be indicated. Yellow discharge can stick the eyelids shut, especially in the morning. Warm compresses, and warmth in general, often ease discomfort.
Mercurius solubilis
People needing this remedy often feel ill and tired, with erratic body temperature and sensitivity both to heat and cold. Discharge is greenish-yellow and can irritate the lids and margins of the eyes.
Natrum muriaticum
Eyelids heavy and bruised, muscles weak and stiff. Fiery, zigzag appearance around all objects. Burning in eyes. Stricture of lachrymal duct with suppuration. Lachrymation burning and acrid. Lids swollen. Asthenopia due to insufficiency of internal recti muscles. Pain in eyes when looking down.
Pulsatilla
Pulsatilla also gives excellent results. It is specifically used when the eye discharge is thick and yellowish color. Burning and itching in the eyes is also prominent.
Borax
Borax is one of the best homeopathic medicines for conjunctivitis with agglutinated and sticky eyelids. It is used when the eyelids are loaded with dry exudation, causing the eyelids to stick together. Mainly the agglutination is marked in the morning time.
Belladona
Belladonna is very effective when the eyes are markedly swollen, red, dry and congested. Photophobia may also accompany.
Calcarea Sulph
Calcarea Sulph is given when the eye discharges are thick and yellow colored. The eyes are also inflamed with itching and burning.
Sulphur
Conjunctivitis with yellow burning discharge from the eye. Red eye and eyelids. Burning in the eyes. Burning ulcers on the edges of eyelids.