Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis is usually triggered by an infection or allergic reaction. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help soothe the burn:
What you need to know
- Try an eyewash
- Use an over-the-counter irrigating solution containing boric acid (Collyrium for Fresh Eyes Wash) to alleviate the itching and burning
- Steer clear of irritants
- Put away the contact lenses, and avoid windy conditions, smoke, chlorinated pools, and anything else that irritates your eyes
- See a professional
- Visit your healthcare provider or eye-care specialist to find out if your conjunctivitis is caused by a treatable medical condition
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full conjunctivitis article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
About conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the eye.
Conjunctivitis is caused most commonly by infection from viruses or bacteria, or by an allergic reaction, though other causes exist, such as overexposure to sun, wind, smog, chlorine, or contact lens solution. Pinkeye is the common name for conjunctivitis. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid; most commonly, it is caused by a bacterial infection.
Product ratings for conjunctivitis and blepharitis
| Science Rating | Nutritional Supplements | Herbs |
|---|---|---|
 | Vitamin A | Calendula Chamomile Comfrey Eyebright Goldenseal Oregon grape |
| See also: Homeopathic Remedies for Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis | ||
 Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit. | ||
What are the symptoms?
Conjunctivitis and blepharitis may cause mild discomfort with tearing, itching, burning, light sensitivity, and thickening of the eyelids. They may also produce a crust or discharge, occasionally causing the eyelids to stick together during sleep. The eyes and eyelids may become red, but usually there is no blurring or change in vision.
Medical options
Over-the-counter irrigating solutions containing boric acid (Collyrium for Fresh Eyes Wash®) might temporarily relieve irritation. Continued redness, irritation, or pain requires medical treatment.
Prescription eye (ophthalmic) medications, available in ointment or drop form, often contain antibiotics such as erythromycin (Ilotycin®), gentamicin (Garamycin®), or sulfacetamide (Sodium Sulamyd®, Bleph-10®), tobramycin (Tobrex®), ciprofloxacin (Ciloxin®), and ofloxacin (Ocuflox®) to treat bacterial infection. Ophthalmic corticosteroids, in combination with antibiotics, include hydrocortisone (Cortisporin Ophthalmic Suspension®), dexamethasone (TobraDex®), and prednisolone (Poly-Pred Suspension®) are often prescribed to treat inflammation and infection.
Individuals with diagnosed conjunctivitis should avoid irritants, such as contact lenses or allergy-causing agents.
Vitamins that may be helpful
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis.1 It is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can prevent conjunctivitis or help people who already have the condition.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.
Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. While topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections,2 the use of the whole herbs has not been studied for conjunctivitis or blepharitis.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
References
1. Rankov BG. Vitamin A and carotene concentration in serum in persons with chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1976;46:454–7 [in German].
2. Babbar OP, Chatwal VK, Ray IB, et al. Effect of berberine chloride eye drops on clinically positive trachoma patients. Ind J Med Res 1982;76:83–8.
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2006-09-07
