Conjunctivitis treatment

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Conjunctivitis treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, they're more visible. This is what causes the white of your eyes to appear reddish or pink. Conjunctivitis is a common condition that affects millions of Americans each year. It can be caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses, or environmental factors. Understanding natural treatment options for conjunctivitis not only empowers individuals to manage their symptoms better but also highlights the importance of holistic approaches in addressing eye health.

Causes

Conjunctivitis can be triggered by several factors. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust, and animal dander, while bacterial conjunctivitis is the result of infection by bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Viral conjunctivitis is often related to common cold viruses. Additionally, environmental factors such as smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, or wearing contacts for extended periods can also lead to the development of conjunctivitis.

Signs and symptoms

- Redness in one or both eyes - Itchiness in one or both eyes - A gritty feeling in one or both eyes - A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night - Excessive tearing

Diagnosing Conjunctivitis

Diagnosing conjunctivitis typically involves a medical examination by a healthcare provider. They will examine your eyes and may take a sample of eye discharge to identify the cause—whether bacterial, viral, or allergic. In some cases, if the conjunctivitis is related to an underlying health condition, further testing might be necessary.

Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing conjunctivitis involves maintaining good hygiene practices like washing hands frequently, avoiding touching the face and eyes, and using clean towels and washcloths. For individuals who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, avoiding known allergens can help prevent symptoms. When it comes to treatment, natural remedies can be quite effective in managing conjunctivitis symptoms, especially for cases caused by allergies or environmental factors: - Cold compresses: Applying a cold compress to the eyes can help alleviate swelling and irritation. - Warm compresses: For bacterial conjunctivitis, a warm, damp cloth can help remove crust and discharge. - Chamomile tea bags: Refrigerated and applied to the eyes, chamomile tea bags can reduce redness and discomfort. - Saline washes: Rinsing the eyes with a saline solution can help remove irritants and discharge. - Honey: A study has shown that a diluted honey solution can be effective against bacterial conjunctivitis due to its antimicrobial properties. Functional medicine also advocates for addressing the underlying triggers of conjunctivitis. This might include optimizing the gut health to improve the immune response, using supplements like quercetin for allergic conjunctivitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, and ensuring a diet high in vitamins A and C to support overall eye health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially when it comes to natural remedies, to ensure they're appropriate for your specific situation.

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