Conjunctivitis | Best Homeopathic Remedies | HDS

Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. This condition can be caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, irritants, or underlying health conditions.

Types of Conjunctivitis:

Viral Conjunctivitis: This is the most common form of conjunctivitis and is caused by viruses, such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, or enterovirus. It is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.

1. Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

This type is caused by bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is also highly contagious and can be spread through contact with infected eye secretions.

2. Allergic Conjunctivitis:

It is triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain medications. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is often seasonal or linked to specific allergens.

3. Chemical Conjunctivitis:

This type occurs due to exposure to irritating chemicals, such as cleaning agents, smoke, chlorine, or other toxic substances.

4. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC):

This form is associated with the prolonged use of contact lenses or ocular prosthetics. It is characterized by the formation of large bumps (papillae) on the inner surface of the eyelids.

Causes:

The causes of conjunctivitis can vary depending on the type:

• Viral conjunctivitis: Typically caused by viruses that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets or contact with infected eye secretions.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial infections often occur when bacteria from the skin or respiratory tract enter the eye, usually due to poor hygiene or contaminated objects.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens, resulting in inflammation of the conjunctiva.
• Chemical conjunctivitis: Occurs when the eye is exposed to irritating substances or chemicals.

Clinical Features :

The common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva
• Eye discharge (watery, mucoid, or purulent)
• Itchiness and irritation of the eyes
• Grittiness or the feeling of having a foreign body in the eye
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Excessive tearing
• Crusting of eyelids, especially in bacterial conjunctivitis

Diagnosis :

A medical professional can diagnose conjunctivitis by performing a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:

• Asking about symptoms and medical history
• Visual inspection of the eyes and eyelids
• Testing the vision
• Collecting a sample of eye discharge for laboratory analysis (if bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected)

Prevention :

To reduce the risk of conjunctivitis:

• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after touching the eyes or surrounding area.
• Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who have conjunctivitis.
• Replace contact lenses as recommended and follow proper lens care guidelines.
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup.

Homeopathic Treatment :

1. Euphrasia Officinalis:

This remedy is often used for acute conjunctivitis with watery, acrid discharge, redness, and a sensation of burning or itching in the eyes. The eyes may also be sensitive to light. Catarrhal conjunctivitis; discharge of acrid matter. The eyes water all the time. Sticky mucus on cornea; must wink to remove it. Pressure in eyes. < in evening, from light, warmth. > from coffee, in dark.

2. Pulsatilla:

It is indicated when the discharge from the eyes is thick and yellow-green. Profuse lachrymation and secretion of mucus. Subacute conjunctivitis, with dyspepsia < from heat, warm room, evening. > open air, cold application.

3. Allium Cepa:

This remedy is helpful when the eyes are watery and the discharge is acrid, irritating the skin around the eyes and nose. The person may also have a runny nose. < in evening, in warm room. > in open air, in cold room.

4. Apis Mellifica:

It is used when the eyes are swollen, red, and burning, with a stinging pain. Cold compresses may provide relief. Conjunctiva bright red, puffy. Lachrymation hot. Photophobia. Sudden piercing pains. Pain around orbits. Serous exudation, oedema, and sharp pains. Suppurative inflammation of eyes. Keratitis with intense chemosis of ocular conjunctiva.  < heat in any form; touch; pressure; late in afternoon; after sleeping; in closed and heated rooms. >  in open air, uncovering, and cold bathing.

5. Belladonna:

This remedy is suitable when the eyes are red, dry, and hot, with throbbing pain. The pupils may be dilated, and the person may have sensitivity to light. Throbbing deep in eyes on lying down. Pupils dilated (Agnus). Eyes feel swollen and protruding, staring, brilliant; conjunctiva red; dry, burn; photophobia; shooting in eyes. <  touch.

6. Arsenicum Album:

It is used for conjunctivitis with a burning sensation and a thin, watery discharge. The person may feel restless and anxious. Burning in eyes, with acrid lachrymation. Intense photophobia. Lids red, ulcerated, scabby, scaly, granulated. External inflammation, with extreme painfulness; burning, hot, and excoriating lachrymation. < wet weather, after midnight; from cold, cold drinks, or food. Seashore. > from heat; from head elevated; warm drinks.

7. Silicea:

This remedy is indicated for chronic conjunctivitis with a tendency to form styes. The eyes may be sensitive to light and have a gritty sensation. Angles of eyes affected. Swelling of lachrymal duct. Aversion to light, especially daylight; it produces dazzling, sharp pain through eyes; eyes tender to touch; worse when closed. < new moon, in morning, from washing, during menses, uncovering, lying down, damp. > warmth, wrapping up head, summer; in wet or humid weather.

8. Argentum Nitricum:

It is used for conjunctivitis with profuse, purulent discharge and redness. The person may have a fear of heights and suffer from anxiety. Acute granular conjunctivitis. Inner canthi swollen and red. Spots before the vision. Blurred vision. Photophobia in warm room. Purulent ophthalmia. Great swelling of conjunctiva; discharge abundant and purulent. Chronic ulceration of margin of lids; sore, thick, swollen. Unable to keep eyes fixed steadily. Eye-strain from sewing; worse in warm room. Aching, tired feeling in eyes, better closing or pressing upon them. < warmth in any form; at night; from cold food; sweets; after eating; at menstrual period; from emotions. >  fresh air; cold; pressure.

Worked By : Sunitha Asir (Final BHMS)