How to Spot & Prevent Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye or eye flu, is a condition that can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. While it is often caused by viruses, such as the common cold or adenovirus, it can also result from bacterial infections, allergens, or irritants. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example, can be triggered by exposure to pollen, pet dander, or mold spores. Chemicals in swimming pools, smoke, and air pollution are also potential irritants that can lead to conjunctivitis.

The symptoms of eye flu can vary from person to person, but common signs include redness in the eye, excessive tearing, a burning sensation, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, agglutination of lids in the morning (sticking together), difficulty keeping the eyes open, pain, and itching.

To prevent eye flu, maintaining good hygiene is essential. This includes washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the eyes with unwashed hands. Washing the eyes with cold water can also help. It’s important to stay away from close contact with individuals who have eye flu to reduce the risk of transmission.

One of the challenges with conjunctivitis is its highly contagious nature, especially in viral or bacterial cases. It can spread easily from person to person through direct contact with infected eye secretions, or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus or bacteria. Therefore, it is crucial to take preventive measures to limit its transmission.

Proper hygiene practices are key to preventing the spread of conjunctivitis. Regularly washing hands with soap and water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands is essential. Sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup should be avoided during an active infection.

For those who wear contact lenses, maintaining proper lens hygiene is critical. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting lenses, following the recommended wearing schedule, and replacing them as prescribed by an eye care professional.

In addition to good hygiene practices, using cold compresses on the affected eye can provide relief from symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching.

In severe or persistent cases of conjunctivitis, or if vision is affected, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, preferably an eye specialist, for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They can determine the underlying cause of conjunctivitis and recommend the most effective treatment, which may include prescription eye drops, ointments, or oral medications.

In homoeopathic, various remedies can be used to address specific symptoms:

 ACONITUM NAPELLUS — It is suitable for cases with great redness and swelling of the eyelids, dry and hot sensations in the eyes and profuse purulent discharge. Photophobia may also be present.

 ALLIUM CEPA — It is effective for acute catarrhal conjunctivitis with redness and burning, particularly in the margins of the eyelids. There may be watery, profuse, and bland tearing.

 APIS MELLIFICA — It is used when the conjunctiva is bright red and puffy, with stinging pain. The eyelids may be red, swollen, infl amed, and burning, accompanied by hot tearing and photophobia.

 ARSENICUM ALBUM — It is suitable for cases with burning and dryness in the eyes, periodic pain, and acrid tearing. Patients may feel as if there is sand in their eyes, and photophobia may be present. Warmth can provide relief.

 BELLADONNA — It is indicated when the conjunctiva is red and dry with a burning sensation, and the eyes feel swollen and protruding. The eyes may also be congested and exhibit marked redness and heat. Acrid tearing can be a prominent feature.

 EUPHRASIA — It is used when the eyelids are red, swollen, and have a thick, yellow, acrid discharge. Firm agglutination of the lids in the morning may occur, along with sensitivity and blurring of the eyes. Photophobia and profuse burning tears that irritate the lids are common.

DR ASHOK SINGH SOLANKI Director and homoeopathy physician, Aravali Homoeopathy Hospital & Research Centre at Jagatpura in Jaipur