Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is defined as an inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva. The white area of the eye (sclera) is covered by a thin, filmy membrane called the conjunctiva which produces mucus to lubricate the surface of the eye. It spreads from person to person through direct contact. Conjunctivitis makes the eyes photophobic (highly sensitive to light) with discharge and burning sensation.

Conjunctivitis can be either be acute or chronic. An acute condition is one that occurs suddenly and remain only for a short interval of time. A chronic condition is one that lasts for a long time, usually many years. It can affect both of your eyes simultaneously. It is very common among children.

Causes :
Bacterial or viral infection, Eye strain, Catarrhal condition of the system from general toxaemia, Allergic, Excessive use of the eyes in one way or the others, Air pollution, partially blockage tear duct, Deficiency of vita-A, certain illness such as meals, Some sexually transmitted disease, Injury.

Symptoms :
Inflammation, the eyes are red and itchy, watery secretion, sensitivity to light, pain, dryness, scratchy feeling, In serious cases there is pus formation making the lashes stick together during sleep.

Home remedies for Conjunctivitis :

• Keep your eyes away from sunlight or bright light, dust, pollution.
• A warm compress applied to the eyes for 5 to 10 minutes 3 or 4 times a day.
• Wear goggles to prevent further infection to others.
• In allergic conjunctivitis use cold compresses (not warm).
• Don't share towel or wash clothes.
• Dip a sterilized cotton ball in goat's milk, and put it over your eyes.
• The patient should take natural foods rich in Vitamins-A and B2.
• Rose oil is used for the treatment of conjunctivitis.
• Chomoline is effective herbal remedy which is very useful.
• The oregon grape and golden seal contain berberine a substance which is used as a treatment for conjunctivitis.
• Raw juices of certain vegetables, 200ml of spinach juice should be mixed with 300ml of carrot juice has been found beneficial in this diseases.
• Apply the pulp of fresh cilantro leaves on closed eyelids. Blend handful of cilantro leaves with 1/4 to 1/3 cup water, strain out the juice and apply the pulp to your closed eyelids. Drinking the liquid will also be beneficial.
• Relaxing, strengthening of eyes by doing eye exercises like moving the eyes gently up and down, from side to side and in a circle, clock wise and anticlock wise and palming is highly beneficial in removing strain.
• In children, to place a drop of mother's milk in the eyes. If themother is still lactating and her child gets conjunctivitis, with irritation and discharge just one drop of her milk may heal it.

Herbal remedies :

• Coriandrum sativum (green dhania) : Make an eyewash by steeping 1 tsp of corinder seeds ml, cup boiling water for at least 15 min. Cool before using the water onyour closed eyes. (don't use too hot or too cold)
• Calendula officinalis (marigold) : Make a cold infusion by putting some leaves of the marigold plant in to water and use it as eyewash.
• Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) : The juiceof tulsi plant is very effective in reducing the inflammation of conjunctivitis.
• Barberis aristata (rasaut) : A paste of the rasaut is mixed with butter and alum and applied on the eyelids.
• Azadirachta indica (neem) : Neem leaves are rubbed in to a paste, then mixed with water and applied externally on the eyes.
• Achyranthes aspera (chirchita) : A paste of the roots of chirchita applied on the eyes reduces the pain and inflammation of conjunctivitis.
• Euphosia officinalis (eye bright) : helps fight infection and gry up excess fluid.
• Make some solution of Aloe vera juice in water apply it over the eyes with the help of cloth by soaking in this solution.
• You can take internally, a mixture of equal part of Kamadudha and Gudwel satva, take 1/4 tsp with warm water, twice daily in a week.
• A mixture of Turmeric (1 part), Neem ( 1 part), Manjistha(1 part) can helpful as a antibiotics take internally 1/2 tsp , twice daily with warm water after meals.
• A cup of Indian gooseberry juice should be taken mixed with 2 tsp of honey, twice daily.

Ayurvedic preparations :

• Triphala lotion : usedas eyewash
• Triphala choorna : taken orally
• Chandrodaya varti : to desensitize person to allergies
• Triphala decoction : used as eyewash

Panchakarma :

• Netra tarpan : Keeping a medicated ghee (mahatriphaladi ghrit, Punarnavadi ghrit) in a groove mad up by flour of black gram & water around the eyes.