Conjunctivitis Woes - the Dreaded ‘Pink Eye’

Conjunctivitis Woes

Homeopathic Help for the Dreaded 'Pink Eye'.

Conjunctivitis is inflammation (‘itis’) of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin mucous membrane that covers the whites of your eyes and the insides of the eyelids. This membrane helps to protect your eyes. When it becomes inflamed it usually takes on a pink colour due to swelling of the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva, leading to the common name for this condition: ‘pink eye’. 


Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. Regardless of the cause, if the symptoms fit, homeopathic remedies can be a tremendous support, helping to heal this ailment faster. There are several common symptoms of pink eye that may be causing the sufferer some distress, and of course any uncommon symptoms would be very useful in helping to choose a good remedy match.  

The most common symptoms of ‘pink eye’ include: 

  • a pink or red tone to the white part of the eyeball and sometimes the inside of the eyelids
  • a sensation that there’s a foreign object in the eye – this is often described as feeling like there’s sand or grit or an eyelash in it
  • a glassy, watery looking eye
  • a feeling like the eyeball is dry
  • a general sensation of itchiness, irritation, or burning in the eye
  • discharge from the eye that often has a purulent nature (it looks like pus); this discharge is commonly whitish, yellowish, or greenish in colour
  • light sensitivity or photophobia
  • swollen or puffy eyelids

Regardless of the cause, there are some good basics to follow when dealing with conjunctivitis, including good hygiene, especially of the face and hands. Even when dealing with conjunctivitis from a non-contagious cause such as allergen exposure, when the tissues are in such an inflamed and irritated state you want to be careful to not irritate them further. So frequent hand washing, especially if you find yourself touching your eye, is a good practice. Holding a warm wet compress to the eye may bring some relief and help to clear any stuck discharge. 

Of course, if home remedies and well-chosen homeopathic remedies don’t begin to resolve the problem in a few days, or if there is severe pain, known injury to the eyeball, or changes to the vision (beyond slightly blurred vision caused by the discharges), then please do seek prompt medical attention. However, most cases of conjunctivitis resolve on their own in a few days, and will hopefully clear up even faster and with less discomfort with the use of homeopathy. 

Here are some tried and true homeopathic remedies for the dreaded ‘pink eye’. Choosing a remedy with the best match to your most dominant symptoms will invariably lead to better results. 

Euphrasia

This remedy is an excellent all-around eye tonic. It’s fair to say that if you’re in doubt or the symptom-picture just isn’t clear, reaching for Euphrasia may be a good starting point. It matches many of the symptoms of conjunctivitis, including watery eyes, sensitivity to light, red eyes and eyelids, swollen eyelids, and a burning sensation in the eyes. The discharge may be watery and the lids may be sticky with yellowish discharge. A key feature indicating Euphrasia is that the discharge burns and irritates the skin it touches. Other features are that the person may feel worse in the evening and in warm rooms.

Aconite

This is one of the first remedies to think of if the eyes have a gritty sensation, like there’s sand in them. The eyes feel dry and hot and will likely look red. Aconite is especially indicated if the conjunctivitis is caused by exposure to cold wind or dry wind or set off by a foreign body entering the eye or exposure to excessively bright light, such as sunlight reflecting off snow or water. (Of course, if there is any suspicion that there may be a scratch or injury to the eye from a foreign body, or damage to the eye from light, get it checked out by a medical professional.) The person needing Aconite will often be restless, and quite fearful, likely about the condition of the eyes.

Pulsatilla

In a Pulsatilla type of conjunctivitis the discharge will usually be creamy with a yellowish hue, and bland (it doesn’t irritate the tissue around it). The discharge is thick and often glues the lids together. The eyes might be watery, and all secretions, whether tears or discharge, will often be plentiful. The eyes can itch and burn. The person will often be weepy and needy or clingy. Cold applications, even a cool draft from an open window, will provide relief and soothing comfort to the eyes. Of note, this remedy is often the remedy needed in babies with conjunctivitis.

Apis

Swollen lids are a key feature of Apis. The lids and tissue surrounding the eyes will look puffy and oedematous, like they’re holding water. The eyes will likely feel hot to the sufferer and be worsened for warm compresses and relieved by cool applications. The eyes may burn and sting and look red. The tears produced may feel hot. Of note, this remedy may be especially useful in conjunctivitis as part of an allergic reaction, as these types of reactions often involve swelling of the lids and tissues.

Argentum Nitricum

This is another remedy that is especially useful in conjunctivitis of babies and newborns. The discharge is often purulent (like pus) and can be smelly. It can ‘glue’ the eyelids together. The eyes are often red and the eyelids and the corners of the eyes are red too and may be swollen. There is a sensitivity to light. Cold applications often bring some relief as does light pressure.

Zincum Metallicum

A feature of Zincum is that the inner corners of the eyes are the spot where the symptoms are the worst. The eyes feel gritty and sore, like there is sand in them, especially in the inner corners. The symptoms are usually worse in the evening and at night, and worse for drinking wine. So, one may specifically consider this remedy if a person has an allergy to wine that expresses in eye symptoms such as these. 

Belladonna

Conjunctivitis that responds well to Belladonna will usually have burning and dry sensations in the eyes, along with bloodshot eyes. The eyes will be quite sensitive to light, and worse for heat or warm applications. Belladonna may be particularly useful in conjunctivitis that comes along with a common cold.

Calcarea Carbonica

Another remedy that is often useful for conjunctivitis that accompanies a common cold. There is often a purulent discharge that glues the eyelids together. Light sensitivity is common, as are watery eyes.

While conjunctivitis may be dreaded and met with groans, with thoughtfully selected homeopathic support it is often quite quick to heal up. We hope this information helps you to see your way clearly to a good remedy match and get you on your way to brighter days and brighter eyes!

Tags: Conjunctivitis

This entry was posted on 21 February 2025 at 17:41 and is filed under Homeopathy | Alternative Medicine | Education | Health | Remedies.