When you have an eye infection, then it can be uncomfortable and painful. If some conditions are left untreated, then they can become serious. There are many different ways in which your eyes can become infected or irritated. Some of the most common eye conditions include keratitis, pink eye, styes, dry eye, and blepharitis. But there are some home remedies that can help you to soothe the symptoms.
Generally, eye infections develop when any harmful microorganism, like fungi, bacteria, and virus attack any part of your eye or adjacent tissues. Eye infections can make your eyes itchy and dry, so you will feel that you want to rid of the condition as soon as possible. Swollen or red eyes can be caused by a stye, which often looks like a pimple or red area on the eyelid or some other kind of inflammation. Also, it could be a different type of allergic reaction. You can talk with your doctor also if you have changes in vision, pain, or fever.
You need to wash your hands after using the toilet and touching dirty surfaces. You need to always clean and store your contact lenses in the right place. Never share your eye makeup or brushes with others. While you are drying your face, you need to protect your eyes from dust and pollution.
You can use a combination of the below-mentioned home remedies to help soothe the symptoms of your eye infection. Before you use some of the below-mentioned home remedies for infected eyes, you need to talk with your doctor, so you will be sure that they will not cause harmful effects on your health.
Here are some natural remedies for an infected eye:
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Cold compress:
When you use a cold compress, you can alleviate the inflammation and discomfort that is caused by the infected eye. But, this home remedy will not treat the infection. You need to place a cold compress on the affected eye for about two to three minutes. You should do it two more times. You should repeat this natural treatment two times per day until the swelling subsides.
Castor oil:
In some animal studies are found that ricinoleic acid in castor oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can help to reduce the swelling of the eyes. The castor oil can lubricate your eyes, which can help to alleviate any irritation. You need to apply castor oil around your eyes (the castor oil needs to be 100% organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free). Then, soak a sterile washcloth in warm water and put it over your eyelids. Let it stay there for about ten minutes. You need this natural treatment for about 10 minutes.
Vitamin supplements:
Our bodies can become deficient in essential vitamins and minerals due to a fast-paced lifestyle. This, in turn, makes your eyes more vulnerable to eye infections. In some studies are shown that Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E can be beneficial for managing good ocular health. These vitamins can help in the prevention of any infections or damages to your eyes.
You can eat foods that are rich in these vitamins. Some of the best foods include cheese, nuts, seafood, citrus fruits, and leafy vegetables. If you want to consume vitamins in a supplement form, then talk with your doctor about the best dosage for you.
Avoid touching the eyes:
When you touch or rub your eyes, then this can make the symptoms of eye infection worse. This means that it will need a longer period to heal. If you feel a need to touch your eyes, then do it by washing both your hands thoroughly before and afterward. Some types of pink eye are contagious. So, you need to avoid transmitting the condition to others. You need to avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms have gone away to prevent further irritation.
Saline water:
Saline is recommended as a home remedy for many different types of eye infections. Some believe that it is helpful due to the antiseptic properties of saline. But, there are no studies to support this statement. The saline water is similar to teardrops, so some people state that it can help to alleviate eye infections. You need to mix one to two teaspoons of salt with ½ liter of boiled water. Then, rinse your eyes thoroughly with this home remedy. You can wash your eyes with this type of mild home remedy several times a day.
Lemon juice:
In some cases, allergic reactions to substances or a change in the weather can cause eye infections to flare up. Lemon juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help in the fight against eye infections and their symptoms. But, there are not enough studies to approve or disapprove of this, so you need to talk with your doctor before you use this home remedy for your eye infection. You need to extract the juice from a ½ ripe lemon. Then, add it to a glass of warm water and mix it well and drink it up. You should drink this juice once per day.
Turmeric:
The main component of turmeric is curcumin. It is a bioactive compound. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with eye infections. There need to be done a lot more studies to approve the therapeutic properties for infected eyes, but initial studies have shown promising results. This means that turmeric can be a good home remedy for eye infections.
You need to boil one cup of water and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it. Then, allow it to cool for a while. Then, soak a sterile washcloth in this home remedy. You should use this home remedy as to a warm compress and wash your eyes after this process. You should do this home remedy at least once a day.
Honey:
This home remedy has been used to treat eye infections, like keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis for ages. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help to alleviate eye infections. Firstly, boil a cup of water and add a few drops of honey to it. Then, stir it well and allow it to cool down. You should use a sterilized dropped to put a drop in each eye. Then, wash it with water after 5 minutes. You should do this natural treatment two to three times per day.
Damp cloth clean:
People, who suffer from bacterial pinkeye, might notice pus or thick discharge leaking from the eye that it is affecting. Pus is drying quickly, which is forming a crust along the edges of your eyelids. People can have difficulties with opening their eyes, especially in the morning after the pus has had time to sit and harden overnight. You should use a warm, damp cloth to remove the pus from around your eyes and lashes.
Green tea bags:
The green tea extract is rich in bioactive compounds, which have anti-inflammatory properties. When you use green tea bags, then it can help to soothe your eyes and it can reduce the swelling. But, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it can treat eye infections. You should take two used green tea bags. You need to refrigerate them for a while and put them on your eyes for 15 – 20 minutes. Then, remove them and wash your eyes. You can do this natural treatment two times per day to reduce the pain and swelling.
Discard makeup:
Every woman knows that should not share eye makeup, such as eyeliner, eye shadow, and mascara to avoid things like eye infections. But, you need to discard your own eye and face makeup and makeup brushes, if you have used them while you had an infected eye. This can make you sure that you will not reinfect yourself.
Essential oils:
Some of the best essential oils which have antimicrobial properties include rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree. They can help to combat microbial infections and prevent them. You will need a few drops of tea tree oil or rosemary oil. Then, heat one liter of water and add three to four drops of the essential oil to the water.
You need to cover yourself with a towel and bend over the bowl. You need to let your skin absorb the steam for five to six minutes. You need this natural treatment two times per day. You should not apply essential oils around your eyes, because they can cause irritation and a burning sensation.
Wash linens:
When you have an eye infection, like conjunctivitis, you need to wash your towels and pillowcases on daily basis. They are items that come in contact with the infected eye, so they can spread the infection to the other eye or cause someone else in your family to develop an infection. You need to use hot water and detergent to kill any remaining bacteria.
References:
7 types of eye infections. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/infected-eye.
Eye Infection. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/eye-health/eye-infection.
Eye Infections. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/patient-education/eye-infections. Published November 21, 2018
- Eye infections. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/eye-infections.
