Eye Infections
Definition:
Eye Infections of the eye caused by minute intracellular agents. These infections may lead to severe inflammation in various parts of the eye – conjunctiva, iris, eyelids, etc. Several viruses have been identified as the causative agents. Among these are Herpesvirus, Adenovirus, Poxvirus, and Myxovirus.
Signs & Symptoms:
Red eyes
Persistent Itching
Flaking of the eye lids
Discomfort
Blurred vision
Watery eyes
Eye discharge
Eye pain
Swollen eyelids
Swelling Around Eye
Cause:
Infection is the most common cause.
Allergy is another common cause. Many people with pollen allergy (hay fever) have red and inflamed conjunctiva (the thin covering of the white part of the eyes and inside of the eyelids).
Irritant conjunctivitis sometimes occurs. For example, your conjunctiva may become inflamed after getting some shampoo in your eyes. The chlorine in swimming baths is a common cause of mild irritant conjunctivitis.
How To Cure:
- Green Tea
Green tea is rich in tannic acid that can help keep infections at bay. It can provide relief from itchy eyes as well as reduce under-eye puffiness. It also contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that contribute to overall eye health.
Soak 2 green tea bags in hot water for a few seconds.
Remove the bags from the water, squeeze out the excess water and put both the tea and the tea bags in the refrigerator to cool.
First, use the cool tea to wash your eyes.
Then, place the cold, moist tea bags on your closed eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.
Repeat up to 3 times a day until the symptoms are gone.
Instead of green tea bags, you can use black tea bags.
- Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria in the eye that may be causing an infection.
A 2006 study published in Cornea highlights the antibacterial effect of honey on the ocular flora in tear deficiency and meibomian gland disease.
For best results, use manuka honey or organically raised honey.
Thoroughly mix equal parts of honey and distilled water. Using a clean cotton ball, apply the solution to the eye. Use this treatment 2 or 3 times a day until symptoms have cleared.
You can also put a drop of honey directly in the eye. Through natural tearing, the honey will help get rid of any dirt, debris or discharge in the eye. Use it 2 or 3 times a day.
- Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver can also be used to reduce eye irritation and itching caused by viral and bacterial infections.
It contains tiny silver particles suspended in water that, when used as eye drops, pick up the infected cells by attracting them electromagnetically. These infected cells are then sent into the bloodstream to be eliminated.
Put 2 drops of colloidal silver in each eye and blink a little. Use it twice a day until the infection clears.
Another option is to buy over-the-counter colloidal silver ointment and apply it around the eyes to prevent itching.
