If you have been experiencing symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, or a burning sensation in the eyes, you may have conjunctivitis. This condition, also known as pink eye, is a common eye infection caused by bacteria or viruses. It is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected person or object. Conjunctivitis can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops or ointment, as well as prescription medications. It is important to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of conjunctivitis, so that they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment. To help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, it is important to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before going to bed and clean them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Pink Eye also known as Madras Eye / Sore Eyes / Stye / Eye Infection / Eye Flu / Eyelid Swelling (common English), Conjunctivitis (Scientific name), Lal Ankh /Aankh Aana / Biloni / Guheri / Joi Bangla (Hindi/Urdu), Dole Yene / Ranjanwadi (Marathi), Vili venpatala alarci (Tamil), Kandlakalaka (Telugu), Jiemoyan (Chinese), Conjuntivitis (Spanish), conjuntivite (Portuguese), Netra bart makalapra daha (Bengali), kon”yunktivit (Russian), konjungtivitis (Indonesian). Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye. It spreads from person to person through direct contract. Overcrowding, dirty surroundings and unhealthy living conditions can cause epidemics of this ailment.
Root Causes and Symptoms
How long does pink eye last? The eyeball and under side of the eyelids become inflamed. At first, the eyes are red, dry and burning. Later, there may be a watery secretion. In more serious cases, there is pus formation. During sleep, this material dries, making the eye-lashes stick together. Madras eye results from bacterial infection, viruses or eye strain. Prolonged work under artificial light and excessive use of the eyes in one way or the other no doubt contributes towards the disease. But its real cause can be traced to a catarrh a condition of the system resulting from general toxaemia due to dietetic errors and faulty style of living. The patient generally suffers from colds or other ailments indicative of a general catarrhal condition.
Natural Cure for Pink Eyes – Madras Eye
How to treat pink eye conjunctivitis at home? 15 natural, fast and easy remedies for madras eye. Home treatment that works even for kids and babies will help reduce your pain and keep your eye free of drainage.
- Cilantro : Apply the pulp of fresh cilantro leaves on closed eyelids. Blend a handful of cilantro leaves with 1/4 to 1/2 cup water; strain out the juice, and apply the pulp to your closed eyelids. Drinking the liquid will also be beneficial.
- Sandal Wood to Reduce Pain : Lavigate Pterocarpus santalinus (Red Sandalwood) with water. Apply this paste on closed eyes. This is helpful for red and painful eyes.
- Barberry Compress : For a compress to treat pink eye conjunctivitis, soak a clean cloth in the Barberry decoction. Place over the eye. You can prepare Barberry decoction by soaking overnight 5 grams of coarse powder of Daruharidra in 100 ml of water. Boil the mixture till half of the water remains and filter it.
- Coriander Seed Eyewash : Make an conjunctivitis eyewash by steeping 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds in 1 cup boiling water for at least 15 minutes. Strain thoroughly, and cool before using the water on your closed eyes. (Don’t worry if a little goes into the eyes.) Careful: Don’t use it either too hot or too cold.
- Indian Gooseberry : This is the best stye eye treatment. Mix 1 cup of Indian gooseberry juice with 2 tablespoon of honey. Drink twice a day till conjunctivitis gets cure.
- Bread : This is folk remedy for conjunctivitis. Apply cold bread to closed eyes to reduce the inflammation of conjunctivitis and soothe itching.
- Saline : Your tears are salty and helps to wash away allergens such as pollen, chemicals, pollutants, and viruses. Lest make a homemade saline solution that is similar to tears. Take 1 cup distilled water. Add 1/2 teaspoon non-iodized salt and stir. Pour the mixture into an eye cup. Lower your face until your eye is in the cup. Blink several times. Clean the eye cup in hot soapy water before repeating with the other eye. Apply three to six times throughout the day. Keep the solution covered between uses. Discard any leftover solution at the end of the day.
- Goat Milk : Dip a sterilized cotton ball in goat’s milk, and put it over your eyes. This will cool down and allow conjunctivitis to be healed.
- Coriander Leaves : Make home made pink eye drops with coriander leaves. Take handful of coriander leaves, wash. Grind these leaves and strain the juice. Put few drops into eyes, 3 times a day.
- Honey : Honey water can be used to cleanse the eye; it acts to destroy any infection, soothe, and encourage healing.
- Colostrum – Mother’s Milk for Babies Pink Eye : Infant’s allergic conjunctivitis can be treated very easily with the help of mother’s breast milk. The best way to heal conjunctivitis in young children is to place a drop of mother’s milk in the eye. Mother’s milk is healing for her kids. If the mother is still lactating, and her child gets conjunctivitis, with irritation and discharge in the eye, just one drop of her milk may heal it.
- Indian Gooseberry Seeds : Take 2 cups of water. Bring it to boil, add 15-30 Indian gooseberry seeds in it. Boil till water becomes 1 cup. Wash eyes with this water. This helps to reduce pain and good for tired pink eyes.
- Essential Oil for Eye Infection : For pink eye infections, make a warm compress with a few drops of lavender, chamomile, or rose oil, and apply to the affected area to encourage healing and draw out infection.
- Fennel Seeds : Boil fennel seeds to make an eyewash for conjunctivitis and sore, inflamed eyes.
- Turmeric – Treat Bacterial Conjunctivitis : For bacterial conjunctivitis treatment, make a turmeric solution by stirring some turmeric into a few ounces of pure water. Immerse a clean handkerchief into the solution, and let it dry. Then use it to mop the affected eyes. The natural antiseptic, antibiotic properties of the turmeric will help take care of the bacteria and facilitate healing.
Precautions to Avoid Conjunctivitis
- Viral and bacterial pink eye conjunctivitis spread easily so wash your hands frequently and refrain from touching your eyes.
- Throw away your mascara wand and don’t use the new one until you’ve healed.
- Don’t share towels and cloths with family members.
- For bacterial conjunctivitis, stay home until you’ve been on topical antibiotics for twenty-four hours.
- Once you’re better, wash bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water.
- If you have conjunctivitis or pink eye, stop wearing contact lenses.
FAQs.
Q. What is the main cause of conjunctivitis?
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is an infection, usually viral or bacterial. Allergies, irritants, and underlying health conditions can also cause the condition.
Q. What is the best treatment for conjunctivitis?
The best treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the cause. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotics may be prescribed. For viral conjunctivitis, antiviral medications may be prescribed. In some cases, warm compresses and artificial tears may help relieve symptoms.
Q. How do you get rid of conjunctivitis fast?
To get rid of conjunctivitis quickly, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. This may include using antibiotic eye drops or ointment or taking antibiotics. Additionally, it is important to keep the eyes clean by washing them twice daily with a mild soap and warm water. Finally, avoid touching the eyes and wear sunglasses to protect them from irritants in the environment.
Q. How long can conjunctivitis last for?
Conjunctivitis can last anywhere from two to three weeks.
Q. Does allergic conjunctivitis go away?
Yes, allergic conjunctivitis usually goes away on its own once the allergen is removed from the environment. Treatment with antihistamines, decongestants, or other medications may help to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.
Q. Is it okay to wear spectacles that you have worn when you had conjunctivitis? If not, how can I clean them?
No, it is not okay to wear spectacles that you have worn when you had conjunctivitis. It is possible that the virus that caused your conjunctivitis is still on the spectacles and could be transferred to your eyes again. To clean the spectacles, use a mild soap and water solution and a soft cloth. Rinse the spectacles with warm water and dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
Q. Can you get conjunctivitis from chlorinated water?
No, conjunctivitis is not typically caused by chlorinated water. It is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens.
Q. Does wearing sunglasses help with conjunctivitis?
No, wearing sunglasses will not help with conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, protective tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. To treat conjunctivitis, you should see a doctor for an evaluation and possible prescription of antibiotic eye drops or ointment.
Q. What are the signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness in the whites of the eyes, swollen eyelids, itching or burning sensation in the eyes, increased tear production, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and discharge from the eyes.
Q. Can you use breast milk to treat conjunctivitis or eye infection? Can I put breast milk on my baby’s eye? How many times can I put breast milk in my baby’s eye?
Using breast milk for conjunctivitis is an old home remedy that has been passed down for generations. To use it, take some freshly expressed breast milk and use a sterile eye dropper to drop a few drops into the affected eye. You should do this several times a day, and after each application, wipe away any excess milk with a clean, damp cloth. While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that breast milk is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis, some people believe that it can help to reduce the symptoms of the infection and speed up the healing process. But there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that breast milk is effective to treat conjunctivitis. According to healthcare professionals, breast milk should not be used to treat conjunctivitis. It is not a recommended treatment for this condition. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a doctor is necessary for conjunctivitis, and any home remedies should be discussed with a pediatrician.
Q. How do you use a tea bag for an eye infection? What kind of tea bags should I put on my eyes? Should I use cold or warm tea bags on your eyes? How often should I put tea bags on my eyes?
Using a tea bag for an eye infection is not recommended. Tea bags can be used to help reduce the redness and swelling of an eye infection, but they should not be used to treat the infection itself. If you are experiencing an eye infection, it is best to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If you still want to give try to remedy, here are few tips to do the same.
- Begin by boiling water in a pot.
- Place a tea bag in the hot water and let it steep for a few minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, place the tea bag on a clean cloth and fold it up.
- Apply the tea bag compress to the affected eye for 15-20 minutes.
- Repeat this process every few hours until the infection clears up.
- If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Q. Can colloidal silver be used for conjunctivitis?
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of colloidal silver for conjunctivitis. The best way to treat conjunctivitis is to see a doctor and follow their advice. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help speed up the healing process.
Q. How do you use tea tree oil on your eyes? Is tea tree oil good for eye infections? How to use essential oils for pink eye?
Tea tree oil has not been studied or proven to be an effective treatment for eye infections. Tea tree oil should not be used directly on or around the eyes. If you have an eye infection, it’s best to speak with a doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to treat it.
Q. Can you put frankincense oil in your eyes?
No, it is not recommended to put frankincense oil in your eyes as it may cause irritation and potential damage to the delicate tissue in the eye.
Q. How do you clear up conjunctivitis?
Avoid rubbing eye, even though you feel like doing so. Rubbing will worsen the situation. Simply use clean tissue to wipe the eyes so you can just use and throw it, to avoid further spreading. If your one eye has got conjunctivitis, then there are more chances that other eye would catch infection soon. Keep your hands clean at all time. To avoid spreading in other family members, stop sharing things like towel, soap, pillows, clothes etc. There is common myth that, you can get conjunctivitis infection just by looking at the infected person’s eye. Fact is, it won’t spread just by looking at it. But this can spread easily if you touch infected person’s belongings. Try taking medicines with doctor’s advice as over the counter medicines can contain steroids.
Q. Will conjunctivitis go away on own?
Conjunctivitis commonly known as pink eye is an eye infection. At the beginning of summer, pink eye problem is quite common. It is contagious and spread fast among the children and babies. Common symptoms includes pink color eye, irritation, itching, swelling, pain, light sensitivity and pus in sever cases. Especially in the morning, it is hard to open the eyelids. It feels like eyelids has got glued. This is because of the pus like yellow or green liquid secreted from eyes. There are 3 types of eye infection – viral, bacterial and allergic. In case of viral conjunctivitis, eyes become red. Mild conjunctivitis infection can be healed by it’s own in 7-8 days. In case of bacterial conjunctivitis, along with red eyes, you could also experience more irritation along with yellow pus like discharge. To cure conjunctivitis, be careful while using any home remedy as eye is very delicate part of the body. For conjunctivitis small babies, clean eyes frequently with clean cloth and consult the doctor.
Q. Can I treat conjunctivitis myself at home fast?
To treat mild level pink eye at home, try using salt water to wash eyes. To make salt water add 2 spoon salt in 1/2 liter water. Bring it to boil. Let it cool down. This cold water can be used to wash the eyes 2-3 times a day. You can also use this water as eye drop. Another eye drop can be made by mixing milk and honey together. Take honey and milk in same quantity and mix it to make homemade eye drop. If pink eye condition is getting worse, consult the doctor.
Q. What is the fastest way to cure conjunctivitis?
Boric acid can be used to make soothing and eye cooling compress. Add 1 spoon of boric acid in 1 cup of water and bring it to boil. Once cool, soak cotton in this water and keep it over eyelids. Wash eyes and wipe with clean towel. This will give soothing effect and will stop irritation and itching.
Q. How do you treat pink eye naturally?
Neem leaves water can be used to wash eyes. This reduces redness of eye. Cold water compress or hot water is also useful for pink eye. To make hot compress dip clean towel in hot water and squeeze. Spread this towel over eyes for soothing effect. In the similar way you can make cold compress with cold water. Cold milk compress is equally useful for eye irritation. Soak cotton balls in cold milk and squeeze. Keep on closed eyelids for cooling effect. Similar way you can use tea bags, turmeric water, rose water, holy basil water and neem leaves water. Just boil few leaves in water and strain. Water is ready to use. Use this water to wash your eyes frequently.
Q. What is the best treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis?
Soak alum stone in water and use same water while washing the eyes. This will help to reduce swelling. If there is a small bump at the edge of eyelid, and little pus is coming out from it, then this is different from normal conjunctivitis. It is known as biloni / guheri or ranjanwadi. Do not rub or try to squeeze it. Hot compress or green tea bag compress can be used to treat such bump. Turmeric water, guava leaves water or coriander powder water can also be used to wash eyes. To make such water add turmeric powder, guava leaves or coriander powder to 2 cups of water. Boil it. Strain and use to wash eyes. To clean eyes either use mild baby shampoo or aloe vera gel.
Q. What is the difference between a stye and pink eye?
A stye is a bacterial or viral infection of the eyelid that causes swelling, redness and pain. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Pink eye is caused by a virus, bacteria or allergy and is characterized by redness, itching, watery discharge and feeling of grittiness in the eye.
Q. How do you stop Madras eye from spreading?
The best way to prevent the spread of Madras eye is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes, and not sharing towels or other items with people who have the infection. It is also important to avoid swimming in heavily contaminated bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Q. What is the best home remedy for eye care? Natural remedy for most of the eye problems
The best home remedy for eye care is to
- Practice good hygiene.
- Remove contact lenses before sleeping.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Clean around your eyes with a damp cotton pad.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Get regular eye exams.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Take breaks from staring at screens.
Q. How to cure pink eye at home fast for toddlers?
There is no cure for pink eye at home, but it can be managed. To help a toddler with pink eye, make sure to keep the eye clean by washing it with clean water or a saline solution. Make sure to keep your toddler’s hands clean and encourage them to not touch their eyes. If there is any yellow or green discharge coming from the eye, gently wipe it away with a warm, wet cloth. If the pink eye is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic eye drop or ointment may be prescribed by your doctor.
What is the fastest way to cure Madras eye?
The fastest way to cure Madras eye is to apply a warm compress to the affected eye for 15 minutes, three times a day. This will help reduce the inflammation, irritation, and pain associated with Madras eye. Additionally, over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops can be used to reduce inflammation and discomfort. In severe cases, seek professional medical care. Topical antibiotics or steroid eye drops may be prescribed by a doctor. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid eye drops, and atropine eye drops.
Q. What are the best prevention methods for Madras eye? Conjunctivitis self-care
- Wash your hands often with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
- Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect contact lenses, lens cases, and eyeglasses.
- Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, and pillowcases with others.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup, eye drops, and other eye care products.
- Avoid swimming in contaminated water.
- Throw away old cosmetics that may be contaminated with bacteria.
- Avoid direct contact with someone who has pink eye.
Q. What is the reason for Madras eye?
Madras Eye is a bacterial infection caused by a certain strain of the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is also known as “gonococcal conjunctivitis” and is common in India. It is spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions, through sharing towels, and other personal items. Symptoms include redness, swelling, itching, and discharge from the eye. Treatment includes antibiotics, and it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from recurring.
Q. How long will Madras eye last? How long does pink eye last?
Madras eye, a type of viral conjunctivitis, typically lasts for up to two weeks. However, symptoms may persist for as long as four weeks. It is important to practice good hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent the spread of the infection.
Q. Why does Madras eye come?
Madras eye is a bacterial infection of the eye caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. It is usually caused by contact lens use, but can also be caused by exposure to contaminated water, swimming or showering in contaminated water, and exposure to air-borne bacteria. Symptoms include blurred vision, redness, pain, and discharge.
Q. How to apply salt water for eye infection?
Salt water is a natural remedy for eye infections. It can be used to flush out bacteria and debris from the eye and to help reduce inflammation.
- Fill a glass with warm tap water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the salt until it is completely dissolved in the water.
- Dip a cotton ball, cotton swab, or clean cloth in the salt water solution.
- Gently place the cotton ball, swab, or cloth over your closed eyelid and hold it there for 1-2 minutes.
- Repeat the same process with the other eye.
- Discard the used cotton ball, swab, or cloth and use a new one for each eye.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times a day until the infection is gone.
Q. Is conjunctivitis (madras eye) air borne?
No, conjunctivitis (also known as madras eye) is not air borne. It is typically spread through contact with an infected person, including contact with their eyes, hands, or clothing.
Q. Why is conjunctivitis colloquially called Madras Eye?
The term “Madras Eye” was coined in the 19th century when the people of Madras, located in India, experienced a large outbreak of conjunctivitis. The name stuck and is still used today to refer to conjunctivitis.
Q. Does Madras eye come only once in a lifetime?
No, Madras Eye usually occurs more than once in a lifetime. Madras Eye is an eye condition that is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. It usually occurs in the form of a red, itchy eye and can recur if the virus is not treated properly.
Q. How to get rid of pink eye fast at home?
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to your infected eye can help reduce swelling and pain. To do this, soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and then place it gently over your closed eye lid. Leave it on for 10 minutes and repeat several times a day.
- Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your eye with a salt water solution can help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. To make the solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Use a clean dropper or eyedropper to put a few drops of this solution in your affected eye. Repeat this several times a day.
- Honey: Honey has antibacterial properties that can help fight infection and reduce inflammation. Apply a small amount of honey to your infected eye and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse your eye with warm water afterwards.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has natural antiseptic properties that can help treat madras eye infection. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of warm water. Use a clean dropper or eyedropper to put a few drops of this solution in your affected eye. Repeat this several times a day.
- Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with madras eye infection. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your infected eye and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse your eye with warm water afterwards.
Q. How to get rid of pink eye overnight?
The best way to get rid of pink eye overnight is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and avoid touching your eyes. If you have already contracted pink eye, use a clean cloth to apply a warm compress to your eyes for 15 minutes at a time. This will help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. If possible, use a new cloth each time you apply the compress. Additionally, try to avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, and other items with others who may be infected. Finally, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter medications that may help to reduce the symptoms of pink eye.
Q. How to get rid of pink eye fast without eye drops?
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Apply a warm compress to your eye.
- Flush your eyes with clean water.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses.
- Keep your eyes clean and avoid irritants.
- Use artificial tears to lubricate your eyes.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.