What Is An Eye Infection?
An eye infection is usually accompanied by redness and an itching sensation in your eyes. It can affect the following parts of your eyes:
Cornea Eyelids Conjunctiva (the area that covers the inner and outer layers of your eyes)
Common eye infections include:
Blepharitis – An inflamed and crusted eyelid. Dry Eyes – The tear ducts are unable to provide enough lubrication to your eyes, causing redness and irritation. Keratitis – The cornea is inflamed. Pink Eye – Also known as conjunctivitis, it occurs due to irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, resulting in redness and itching of the eyes accompanied by tears. Stye – A painful red lump near the edge of the eyelid that looks like a boil or a pimple.
An eye infection can affect any or both of your eyes. Though medication is important, certain home remedies can ease the symptoms and help manage the infection. Make sure you discuss these remedies with your doctor.
Home Remedies For Eye Infections
1. Colostrum (Breast Milk)
Newborns can develop eye infections. Breast milk can effectively manage the symptoms of neonatal eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (1). Colostrum contains high levels of antibodies that can help fight infections and may help alleviate conjunctivitis in newborn babies. You Will Need A few drops of breast milk What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat 2 times daily.
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils of tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary possess antimicrobial properties (2). Hence, they may help combat microbial infections and prevent them. You Will Need
A few drops of tea tree oil or rosemary oil 1 liter of hot water A towel
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times daily. Caution: Do not apply essential oils (diluted or otherwise) around the eyes as they may cause irritation and a burning sensation.
3. Green Tea Bags
Green tea extract is rich in bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties (3). Using green tea bags may soothe your eyes and reduce the swelling, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that they can treat eye infections. Hence, exercise caution. You Will Need 2 green tea bags What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2 times daily to reduce the swelling and pain.
4. Honey
Honey has been used to treat eye infections like blepharitis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis (4). As honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it may help alleviate eye infections. You Will Need
1 cup of water 2-3 teaspoons of honey A sterilized dropper
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a day.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin is the major bioactive compound in turmeric. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help alleviate the symptoms associated with eye infections (5). Though more randomized clinical trials are needed to establish its therapeutic properties, initial studies have shown promising results. Hence, turmeric can be a good home remedy for eye infections. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this at least once a day.
6. Lemon Juice
Sometimes, allergic reactions to substances or a change in the weather can cause eye infections to flare up. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, lemon juice can help fight eye infections and their symptoms (6). However, as there is not enough research to back this up, make sure you discuss this remedy with your doctor. You Will Need
1 glass of warm water ½ a ripe lemon
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Drink this juice at least once daily.
7. Saline Water
Saline is recommended to treat certain types of eye infections (7). Some believe that this could be attributed to the antiseptic properties of saline. However, there is no research to support this statement. As saline water is similar to teardrops, some state that it can help alleviate eye infections. You Will Need
½ liter of boiled water 1-2 teaspoons of salt
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can wash your eyes with this mild solution several times a day.
8. Vitamin Supplements
Due to a fast-paced lifestyle, your body can become deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. This, in turn, can make you prone to eye infections. Research shows that vitamins A, C, and E can be beneficial for maintaining good ocular health (8). These nutrients can help prevent any infection or damage to your eyes. You can consume foods rich in these nutrients. Additionally, you can also consume foods like leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, seafood, nuts, and cheese. Note: Please make sure that you consume supplements after consulting your doctor/health care provider.
9. Castor Oil
In animal studies, the ricinoleic acid in castor oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, was found to reduce swelling of the eyes (9). The oil can also lubricate your eyes, which may help in alleviating any irritation (10), (11). You Will Need
Castor oil (100% organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free) Sterile washcloth Water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 times daily.
10. Cold Compress
Using a cold compress can help alleviate the inflammation and discomfort caused by an eye infection (12). However, it will not treat the infection. You Will Need A cold compress What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Repeat this procedure 2 times daily until the swelling subsides. These home remedies can go a long way in helping you deal with the infection. But it always is better to prevent an infection in the first place. Here are a few prevention tips you can follow: What causes an eye infection? Eye infections can be caused by various microbes or bacteria that come in contact with your eyes or the area surrounding them. How do I know if my eye is infected? Different types of infections have different symptoms. But the most common sign of eye infection is the redness of the eyes and the presence of a yellowish discharge that can crust over your eyes. How to cure eye infection in 24 hours? Most eye infections take a few days to weeks to cure completely. However, if you are seeking quick recovery, consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate medication for your condition. How long does an eye infection last? Typically, an eye infection can last anywhere from two days to a week. In severe cases, it can last for a few weeks to a month. How does an eye infection spread? Most often, an eye infection spreads by hand-to-eye contact. The infection-causing bacteria or microbes on your hands can transfer the infection to your eyes. Can I use apple cider vinegar for treating eye infection? Apple cider vinegar is acidic. It contains acetic acid, which may irritate and damage the eyes and the cornea. There is no scientific research to prove that ACV helps in treating eye infection. Hence, it is important to exercise caution. Do not use undiluted ACV. Also, consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
