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Before you reach for potentially irritating eyedrops, try these natural methods for conjunctivitis relief

Conjunctivitis – relief for irritated eyes

Mucous in the eye is uncomfortable, and an irritant. It can result from either an infection, allergic reaction including seasonal allergies), eyestrain or an irritant such as a stray eyelash.

When our eyes are irritated most of us reach for over the counter eyedrops to bring relief. However research has demonstrated that, instead of easing conjunctivitis, conventional eyedrops may actually cause the prob­lem to develop in the first place. In addition, the preservatives in eyedrops are known to cause allergic reactions.

Indeed some researchers warn that even seemingly mild reactions to eyedrop preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK) should not be underestimated or ignored since they could be harbingers of more serious eye problems that may later cause major concerns.

Other commonly used preservatives in eyedrop solutions that can cause allergy and inflammation include: thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative), chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, phenylethanol and parabens.

Quick relief

If you suspect conjunctivitis take these steps first:

Remove your contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, take them out until all the signs and symptoms of the infection have gone. Some doctors advise no re-using the lenses post-infection as they could be a potential source of re-infection.if unsure check with your ophthalmologist.

Gently clean away sticky discharge from your eyelids and lashes using cotton wool soaked in warm water. Follow with a wipe of soothing witch hazel.

Keep your fingers out of your eyes. Even though the temptation is to rub, or poke around for the source of irritation, this will only irritate your eyes further.

Wash your hands after you have touched your infected eyes. This will stop the infection spreading to other people. Washing hands regularly also lowers the risk of transferring others’ infections to your eyes.

Use an eyewash. If you cant find a preservative-free one make one for yourself using 5ml each of rosewater and boiled water, with two drops of eyebright (euphrasia) tincture. If you don’t have these available, try cold tea made from marigold (calendula) or goldenseal.

Place a cool compress over your eyes. The teas above can also be used in a compress. Soak a wash cloth in water or your chosen tea, place over closed eyes and rest.

Herbs If you have succumbed to infection your immunity may be low so py attention to your internal environment. Herbs that strengthen the immune system, detoxi­fy and tone, include blue flag, cleavers, Echinacea and poke root, which can be taken singly or in combination. Recent research shows that supplementing with fenugreek can help increase tear production.

Homoeopathy For conjunctivitis try Euphrasia, Argentum nit or Aconite 6C.

Acupuncture has shown promise in treating a form of dry eye called keratoconjunctivitis sicca and practitioners report success with treating conjunctivitis over the longer term.

Turn off the computer. Conjunctivitis may be a sign that your eyes have had enough. If you spend long days on a computer, don’t also spend long nights squinting at your phone, tablet or PC. Switch off!