Eye Infection
Updated Dec. 04th, 2017
Infections in the eyeball itself are very rare. What most people refer to as an eye infection is actually the result of infection in the tissue surrounding the eye. Conjunctivitis is the medical term for pinkeye. It is an inflammation of the membranes that line the eyelid and the part of the eyeball that faces the external environment. The eye becomes swollen and bloodshot.
It feels itchy and irritated. The eyelids stick together if they are closed for an extended period of time because of pus production. Pink eye can be caused by bacterial infection, viral infection, injury to the eye, allergies or contact with an irritant. Common irritants are smoke, chlorine, contact lens solution and makeup. Infective conjunctivitis is very contagious and often spreads into the other eye.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles or glands on the outer edge of the eyelids. Symptoms of blepharitis include redness, itching, burning, swelling, tearing and the feeling that there is something in the eye. Loss of eyelashes may occur and the eye can become crusted shut after being closed for long periods of time. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, seborrheic dermatitis, eyestrain, poor sleeping habits or deficient immunity.
Conventional treatment of conjunctivitis and blepharitis involves the use of antibiotic eyedrops if a bacterial infection is suspected. For other causes of irritation steroid eyedrops can be prescribed to decrease inflammation.
In order to prevent and reduce eye infections, it’s important to practice good hygiene. In the case of eye health, this includes keeping your hands away from your eyes as much as possible – especially if you are suffering from a cold or flu. If you must touch your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly before. If it’s possible, try not to use contact lenses when experiencing an eye infection since lens solution could be carrying bacteria and lead to recurrent infections of the eye. Lens solution is also an irritant. At home, minimize the use of antibacterial soaps and cleaning products which can cause the disease-causing potential of viruses and bacteria to increase.
There are several physical therapies for eye infections. Make a compress out of grated fresh potato. Wrap it in gauze and place over the eye to decrease inflammation. Use an herbal tea as a warm compress or wash. Good choices are eyebright (for any type of irritation or inflammation) or goldenseal (for an infection).
Dietary approaches for eye infections are as follows. Increase fluid intake to decrease the viscosity of eye discharges. A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables provides a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Focus on green leafy vegetables and deep coloured berries. Flaxseed and fish oils contain essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Avoid processed foods, white flour and sugar products all of which increase mucous production.
This video was very informative, thank you! There are so many services for eyes out there now, one must be careful to not get eye infections but to also know how to treat them naturally.
Hello Albert,
Indeed, we're glad you enjoyed this article and learning about natural care for your eye health. Here's another article you may be interested in to learn how to support eye health proactively.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/eye-health/
Stay healthy & well!
Few things are more important to us than our eyesight. Taking care of it should be a top priority. Lifestyle choices can make a big difference. This includes maintaining a healthy diet that includes lots of vegetables, especially those that are green and leafy, as well as properly sourced fish. Getting regular exercise, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control and avoiding all tobacco products are all important. Zinc supplementation may or may not belong on this list but it is a decision that should be made in consultation with your eye care professional.
Hello Paul,
Eye health is very important and can be taken care of proactively through diet and supplements. Here is another article on eye health and things that you can implement to support your eye's health, naturally.
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/eye-health/