Pink Eye Home Remedy

What is Pink Eye?

Conjunctivitis (commonly called "Pink Eye" or bloodshot eyes in the USA), "Red Eye" in the UK, and "Madras Eye" in India, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids). Pink eye usually is brought about by either bacterial, viral, or numerous allergic factors.

The conjunctiva usually reacts to bacteria, viruses, allergy causing medium, irritants, or diseases of other parts of the body. Viral Conjunctivitis is induced by viruses that spread from various ailments like colds, sore throats, respiratory infections and others. Bacterial Conjunctivitis is caused by certain bacteria that have made their way to the eye. Examples of bacteria include staphylococci and streptococci. Allergic Conjunctivitis is caused by allergic reactions to distinctive substances such as fumes, cosmetics, drugs, dust mites, air born chemicals, and many others. Conjunctivitis is usually more prone in people who have allergic conditions.

Pink Eye Symptoms

1. Reddish color covering the eye.


2. Irritation and itchiness of the eyes


3. Tearing of eyes


4. Yellow or Green discharge from the eyes is common for bacteril and viral conjunctivitis


5. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light

Pink Eye Pictures

How long is pink eye contagious ?

Someone with conjunctivitis may be contagious for seven to 14 days after signs and symptoms first appear. Infact, Pink eye is contagious until you get the drops. Then you must been using the drops for at least 24 hours, after which you are no longer contagious.

Pink Eye Prevention

Certain precautions can to taken to avoid the disease and stop its spread. Careful washing of the hands, the use of clean handkerchiefs, and avoiding contagious individuals are all helpful. Children frequently get conjunctivitis because of their poor hygiene.

If you or someone in your household has contracted conjunctivitis, follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:
Every time you touch your eyes or face, including when using medicine in your eye(s), wash your hands thoroughly.
Wash any clothing touched by infected eyes including clothes, towels and pillowcases.
Do not share make-up. If the infection is caused by bacteria or a virus, you must throw away your used make-up and buy new make-up.
Do not touch the infected eye because the infection will spread to the other eye.

Home Remedies for Pink Eye

If you have a viral or bacterial pink eye, it is better that you see a doctor.

You can soothe the discomfort of pink eye by applying warm compresses to your affected eye or eyes. To make a compress, soak a clean, lint-free cloth in warm water and wring it out before applying it gently to your closed eyelids.

For allergic conjunctivitis, avoid rubbing your eyes so that you don't release more histamines. Instead, use cool compresses to soothe your eyes.

You might also try specially formulated over-the-counter eyedrops such as Naphcon-A or Opcon-A, which contain an antihistamine and an agent that constricts blood vessels.

Vegetable juices of spinach and carrot are considered good for Pink Eye. It is also recommeded to take foods rich in vitamin A and B2 like curd, butter, whole milk, pumpkin, almonds, tomatoes etc.