Health Network News

An irritation or inflammation of the membrane that lines the surface of the eye and the eyelid is called conjunctivitis or pink eye. Itching, tearing, burning, sensitivity to light, redness, swelling of the eyelids, drainage from the eye, and feeling as if there was something in the eye are common symptoms of pink eye.

Pink eye can be caused by allergies, bacteria, or viruses. Since most cases of pink eye or caused by viral infection which has no medical treatment, pink eye treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. People with pink eye should also be careful to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Frequent handwashing is strongly suggested to prevent the spread of pink eye. People should avoid touching tissues or washcloths that have been used by the person with pink eye. Many doctors do not prescribe drops for pink eye since the drops can easily become contaminated and prolong infection and instead of curing it.

People with pink eye who wear contact lenses should not wear their contacts while they have an eye infection. In most cases, the pink eye will clear on its own in three to five days. Pink eye treatment at home can help reduce the symptoms and make a person more comfortable.

People with pink eye may prefer to use either warm or cold compresses. Either can provide relief. Clean compress it should be used for each eye out for each application of compresses.

Frequently washing the eyes can often help people feel more comfortable. The eyes should be wiped with a wet washcloth, tissue, or moistened cotton ball from the inside corner close the nose to the outside corner. If tissues or cotton balls are being used, they should be thrown away immediately after use.

Washclothes should be placed in the laundry after use for the same reason. The washcloth should not be used for both eyes or for more than one use without being washed between uses.

Tea bags of green tea are used as the home remedy for pink eye. A tea bag of green tea should be warmed in hot water for one minute, then used as a compress. After the tea bag goes cold, some people squeezed a little bit of the tea into the corner of the eye or along the eyelashes so that a small amount of tea may go into the eye.