How to Naturally Treat Eye Infections

Eyes can become infected by various viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Each cause of infection leads to different symptoms, but typical signs include irritation, pain, redness or inflammation, excessive tearing, and reduced vision. Pollutants may infect one or both eyes, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness. Common eye infections include conjunctivitis, styes, and allergic reactions. If you experience pain or vision loss, see a doctor immediately. For milder infections, several home remedies may help alleviate symptoms.

Understand Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is highly contagious. There are two types: bacterial and viral, both of which are often spread by touching the eyes or sharing items like pillows or eye makeup. Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis; however, antibiotics are ineffective against viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own, usually taking 2-3 weeks. The best way to treat pink eye naturally is by addressing the symptoms. This helps reduce discomfort and manage the illness more easily.

• Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by viruses like Adenovirus, Picornavirus, Rubella, Rubeola, and Herpes virus.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, Streptococcus, and Moraxella. The infection is commonly spread through contact with bacteria found in feces.

Recognize the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis. The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red eyes, itching, watery discharge that forms crust on the eyelids during sleep, and persistent discomfort.

Warm or Cold Compress. You can try both cold and warm compresses (but not hot) to see which works best for you.

• Run a clean washcloth under cold water; cold water often has a soothing effect.
• Wring out the excess water.
• Apply the cloth to one or both eyes, depending on how severe the conjunctivitis is.
• Lie down and keep the cold compress on your eyes until the pain and irritation subside, rewetting the cloth as needed.

Use Lubricating Eye Drops. Although over-the-counter eye drops don’t treat eye infections, they help alleviate redness and irritation. Use lubricating eye drops as instructed.

• Wash your hands before and after touching the eye area.
• Lie down before applying the drops.
• Place a drop of medicine into the infected eye.
• Close your eyes and keep them shut for 2-3 minutes after applying the drops.

Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses. Contact lenses can prolong the symptoms of conjunctivitis. Dispose of any disposable lenses that have come into contact with the infected eye.

Maintain Personal Hygiene. Anyone can get conjunctivitis, and there's no need to feel embarrassed. The key is preventing the infection from spreading or recurring.

• Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap. This is especially important before touching your face or eyes.
• Do not share makeup, washcloths, or towels.
• Dispose of makeup or disposable contact lenses that have been in contact with the infected eye.
• Wash any bedding or pillowcases that have been in contact with your face during the infection.

Consult a Doctor About Taking Antibiotics. If the conjunctivitis is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition.

Understand What a Stye Is. A stye is a red, swollen bump on or near the eyelid, often filled with pus. It occurs when the oil glands on the eyelid become infected, usually by the Staphylococcus bacteria. There are two types of styes: Hordeolum, which infects the sweat or sebaceous glands on the eyelid, and Chalazion, which generally infects the Meibomian glands on the eyelid. A stye typically heals on its own, but it can be painful during the infection.

Identify the Symptoms of a Stye. Common symptoms include:

• A small, red, swollen bump on or near the eyelid resembling a pimple.
• Pain and irritation on or around the eyelid.
• Excessive tearing.

Recognize Risk Factors. Anyone can develop a stye, but certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Not washing hands before touching the eyes and face.
• Wearing unsterilized contact lenses.
• Not removing eye makeup before sleeping.
• Individuals with Rosacea (a skin condition) or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) are at higher risk for styes.

Let the Stye Heal on Its Own. Avoid squeezing the stye as doing so can worsen the infection and cause it to spread.

Manage the Symptoms. The best way to treat a stye is to manage the symptoms while waiting for the infection to heal.

• Gently clean the eye. Do not rub the stye too harshly.
• Apply a warm compress. Every 5-10 minutes, re-soak the washcloth in warm water and place it on the eye.
• Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup until the stye is healed.

Increase Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet. Boosting your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help promote sebaceous gland production, which may alleviate stye symptoms.

Understand What Blepharitis Is. Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of one or both eyelids. It is non-contagious and is often caused by bacterial infections (typically Staphylococcus) or long-term skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea. It can also be triggered by excessive oil production on the eyelids, leading to infection. There are two main types of blepharitis: anterior (affecting the outer edge of the eyelid) and posterior (affecting the inner eyelid).

Identify the Symptoms of Blepharitis. Common symptoms of blepharitis include:

• Redness
• Irritation
• Excessive tearing
• Sticky eyelids
• Light sensitivity
• Persistent itching
• Presence of "scales" on the eyelids

Understand the Risk Factors. Blepharitis can affect people of any age, but individuals with skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea are at higher risk.

Manage the Symptoms. There is no specific treatment for blepharitis, so the best approach is to manage the symptoms to reduce pain and irritation.

• Apply a warm compress. Soak the cloth again every 5-10 minutes, using it multiple times a day.
• Gently cleanse the eyelids with a baby shampoo that won't irritate the skin to remove scales around the eyelids. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the face and eyes after using soap.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup while dealing with blepharitis.
• Massage the eyelid glands as necessary to help release excess oil. Always wash your hands before and after touching the eyes.

Consider Using Antibiotics. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, or Tetracycline to treat blepharitis.

Understand What Keratitis Is. Keratitis is an infection affecting any part of the cornea and conjunctiva in one or both eyes. Symptoms may appear briefly or persist as a chronic condition. Common signs include pain, redness, irritation, excessive tearing, difficulty opening the eyes, blurry vision or reduced eyesight, and light sensitivity. If you suspect keratitis, immediate consultation with a doctor is crucial as delayed treatment can lead to permanent blindness. There are various types of keratitis, classified by their causes.

• Bacterial Keratitis is often caused by infections from Staphylococci, Haemophilus, Streptococci, or Pseudomonas. This infection is usually accompanied by surface damage to the cornea, which can result in ulcers at the infection site.
• Viral Keratitis can result from various viruses, including the common cold virus, as well as the Herpes or Herpes zoster viruses, which cause chickenpox and shingles.
• Fungal Keratitis is typically caused by Fusarium fungal spores, which often grow on improperly sanitized contact lenses. People with weakened immune systems may also experience keratitis due to Candida, Aspergillus, or Nocardia spores. Healthy individuals rarely contract these fungi.
• Chemical Keratitis typically results from exposure to chemicals, such as those from contact lenses, or exposure to chemicals or smoke, or immersion in irritating chemicals like pool water or hot tubs.
• Physical Keratitis usually occurs due to trauma to the eye from various causes, including prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or light from welding torches.
• Worm-Related Keratitis is often caused by parasites like Acanthamoeba, commonly affecting contact lens wearers. This condition is also known as "river blindness" and is more prevalent in third-world countries, with rarer occurrences in other regions.
• Sicca Keratitis (Dry Eye Keratitis) and Filamentary Keratitis are types of surface inflammation caused by overly dry eyes or irritation in the anterior corneal layer.

Identify the Symptoms of Keratitis. Common symptoms include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Irritation
• Excessive tearing
• Difficulty opening the eyes
• Blurry vision or reduced eyesight
• Light sensitivity

Understand the Risk Factors for Keratitis. Anyone can develop keratitis, but some individuals may have risk factors that make them more susceptible.

• Individuals with surface corneal damage are at a higher risk for infection.
• Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of developing keratitis.
• Chronic or severe dry eyes can raise the risk of infection.
• A weakened immune system due to conditions like AIDS or certain medications, such as Corticosteroids or chemotherapy, can also increase the risk of keratitis.

Treating Keratitis. Seek medical attention immediately to obtain prescriptions for antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals to treat keratitis. Doctors may also prescribe Steroid medications for treating inflammation caused by conjunctivitis. Once examined, you can manage symptoms at home through various methods to complement the prescribed medication.

• Use lubricating eye drops. While over-the-counter eye drops will not cure eye infections, they will help alleviate redness and irritation. Use them as directed and inform your doctor about the eye drops as well as any other over-the-counter medications you plan to use.
• Stop wearing contact lenses during keratitis. Discard any disposable contact lenses that have come into contact with the infected eye during the condition.

Understand Eye Irritation Caused by Allergies. Allergies can lead to non-contagious conjunctivitis, a type of eye infection triggered by allergic reactions. This condition may result from sensitivity to pets or environmental allergens such as pollen, grass, dust, or mold.

Identify the Symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy, irritated eyes
• Redness and swelling in the eyes
• Excessive tearing

Understand the Risk Factors. Anyone can develop allergic conjunctivitis. The most significant risk factors are seasonal allergies and environmental allergens.

Try Over-the-Counter Medication. Taking decongestant or antihistamine medications can help alleviate eye irritation caused by allergies. A doctor or pharmacist may recommend non-prescription mast cell stabilizers like Ophthalmic lodoxamide to manage common allergic reactions in the eyes.

Treat the Symptoms. A doctor may recommend antihistamines to ease the body’s reaction to allergens. Some home remedies can also help relieve the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

• Rinse the eyes with clean water. Cold water can soothe the irritation in some cases, while warm water might be more effective in others.
• Use cool, damp tea bags. After brewing tea, keep the tea bags and apply them to the inflamed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this up to three times a day.
• Try using a cold washcloth. This method can help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by allergic conjunctivitis.

• If you suspect an eye infection, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Vision loss or blurred vision requires treatment at a hospital. While the methods mentioned above may help alleviate symptoms of eye infections, they do not cure the infection at its source. Some eye infections can lead to permanent blindness. It's important to be cautious and seek medical help when necessary.