This is inflammation of the conjunctiva which is a membrane that lines the eyelids and eyeball. It is quite a common condition for some people, especially children.
There are several potential causes such as allergies, viral or bacterial infections or mechanical irritation or exposure to environmental irritants eg chlorine in water.
Symptoms which can be in one or both eyes:
- Discharge which can vary between being watery, thick, ropy, mucousy or with pus. This can crust over at night making it difficult to open the eye in the morning.
- Swollen eyelid/s.
- Itchy eyes/lids
- Redness in one or both eyes.
- Gritty feeling in eyes.
HOMEOPATHIC HELP
There are several remedies that might be useful, depending on the symptoms and the cause.
REMEDIES
EUPHRASIA: This remedy has an affinity to eyes and the conjunctival membrane. It would be useful where there is profuse wateriness from the eyes and the eyes water all the time while at the same time there is a bland nasal discharge.
Cause: Common cold.
The discharge from the eye is burning and watery. Any nasal discharge does not irritate in the same way as the eye.
The tincture of Euphrasia can be diluted and used to bathe the eye whether the cause is infection or allergy or exposure to chlorinated water.
ARSENICUM: There are a lot of burning sensations in this remedy. The eyes will run and feel as if they are burning. The lids will be red, and feel gritty with great sensitiveness to the light. Swelling around the eye.
The mouth might feel dry and burning with a thirst for water.
A person needing Arsenicum will always feel better for warmth as they are very sensitive to the cold. Conversely, they are worse for the cold in any form.
PULSATILLA: A very useful remedy for children’s complaints. Symptoms tend to be right sided and changeable.
Cause: Getting wet or getting feet wet.
With conjunctivitis, there is a thick, bland, profuse yellow discharge from the eye/s. The lids are irritated and inflamed and tend to stick. Itchiness of eyelids in the evenings.
The eyes will burn and itch. The symptoms may be associated with getting a cold.
Better for fresh air and being carried (if a child/baby)
APIS: Swollen puffy eyes/eyelids will be very evident with this remedy. The whites of the eyes will be red and the blood vessels will look red and visible. The discharge will be watery and burning. The eyes will feel sore and sting.
Apis tends to be right sided and symptoms move from right to left. Thirstless. Irritable, restless and whiny.
Worse for heat and touch.
CALC-SULPH: This remedy has thick, lumpy, yellow discharges from the eye along with inflammation of the eye. This will come together with a runny nose with a similar discharge.
RHUS-TOX: This is a very restless remedy.
Cause: Getting cold and wet.
Eyes get swollen and red with sensitivity to light. The lids are inflamed and get stuck together in the morning. Discharge of yellow pus from eyes.
TINCTURES
If using Euphrasia tincture to bathe the eyes, remember to dilute it with cooled, boiled water. If this does not help, consider using Hypercal tincture.
If using an eye bath, do not use the same vessel for both eyes, or clean it thoroughly with boiling water after bathing one eye in order to prevent spread of infection.
Thank you for reading my blog. I hope you have found it useful.
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