Eye infections can be particularly discomforting as your eyes hurt continuously. They can itch and go dry, causing constant uneasiness.
While medical options can help, it is important to be aware of certain home remedies that may complement the treatment. In this article, we will explore more about eye infections and the home remedies you can try to obtain relief.
An eye infection is usually accompanied by redness and an itching sensation in your eyes. It can affect the following parts of your eyes: cornea, eyelids, and conjunctiva (the area that covers the inner and outer layers of your eyes).
Common eye infections include:
- Blepharitis – An inflamed and crusted eyelid.
- Dry eyes – The tear ducts are unable to provide enough lubrication to your eyes, causing redness and irritation.
- Keratitis – The cornea is inflamed.
- Pink eye – Also known as conjunctivitis, it occurs due to irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, resulting in redness and itching of the eyes accompanied by tears.
- Stye – A painful red lump near the edge of the eyelid that looks like a boil or a pimple.
An eye infection can affect any or both of your eyes. Though medication is important, certain home remedies can ease the symptoms and help manage the infection. Make sure you discuss these remedies with your doctor.
Below are the remedies for eye infection:
1. Colostrum (Breast Milk)
Newborns can develop eye infections. Breast milk can effectively manage the symptoms of neonatal eye infections, such as conjunctivitis. Colostrum contains high levels of antibodies that can help fight infections and may help alleviate conjunctivitis in newborn babies.
You will need
A few drops of breast milk
What you have to do
- Pour a drop or two of colostrum in the eyes of the infant with a dropper.
- Wash the eyes in 5 minutes.
2. Essential oils
Essential oils of tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary possess antimicrobial properties. Hence, they may help combat microbial infections and prevent them.
You will need
- A few drops of tea tree oil or rosemary oil
- 1 liter of hot water
- A towel
What you have to do
- Heat a large bowl of water and add 3-4 drops of the essential oil to it.
- Cover yourself with a towel and bend over the bowl.
- Let your skin absorb the steam for 5-6 minutes.
Caution: Do not apply essential oils (diluted or otherwise) around the eyes as they may cause irritation and a burning sensation.
3. Green tea bags
Green tea extract is rich in bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties. Using green tea bags may soothe your eyes and reduce the swelling, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that they can treat eye infections. Hence, exercise caution.
You will need
2 green tea bags
What you have to do
- Take two used green tea bags.
- Refrigerate them for a while and place them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove them and wash your eyes.
4. Honey
Honey has been used to treat eye infections like blepharitis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis. As honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it may help alleviate eye infections.
You will need
- 1 cup of water
- 2-3 teaspoons of honey
- A sterilized dropper
What you have to do
- Boil a cup of water and add a few drops of honey to it.
- Stir well and allow it to cool down.
- Use a sterilized dropper to put a drop in each eye.
- Wash with water after 5 minutes.
5. Turmeric
Curcumin is the major bioactive compound in turmeric. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help alleviate the symptoms associated with eye infections. Though more randomized clinical trials are needed to establish its therapeutic properties, initial studies have shown promising results. Hence, turmeric can be a good home remedy for eye infections.
You will need
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 cup of warm water
What you have to do
- Boil a cup of water and add a teaspoon of turmeric to it.
- Allow it to cool for a while.
- Soak a sterile washcloth in this solution.
- Use this as a warm compress and wash your eyes after this process.
