Fight Eye Infections with One of These 9 Remedies
Eye infections can occur when viruses, bacteria, and fungi have a perfect environment to grow inside or around the eyes. They’re quite common in the general population and, although they’re not usually serious, sometimes they present complications that must be treated under medical supervision depending on the cause.
Overall, they’re characterized by an uncomfortable itching sensation, almost always accompanied by excessive dryness, irritation, redness, and other annoying symptoms that, in fact, can affect a person’s visual capacity.
Although they’re usually sporadic and disappear in a matter of days, it’s a good idea to provide some kind of treatment to accelerate their recovery. Fortunately, it’s not always necessary to resort to drugs or pharmacological products to quickly control this condition.
Thanks to the properties of some natural ingredients, we can make home remedies that are just as effective. However, it’s important to remember that these remedies will not replace proper medical treatment under any circumstances.
Let’s take a look!
1. Cold compresses for eye infections
The direct application of cold compresses is a quick solution to control the inflammation and redness from eye infections.
A study published in the journal Ophthalmic Epidemiology showed that cold compresses help relieve the symptoms of non-infectious conjunctivitis. On the other hand, bacterial conjunctivitis will always require antibiotic treatment, according to the article cited.
How to use this remedy
- Wrap several ice cubes in a clean cloth and rub them over your eyes for a couple of minutes.
- Repeat twice a day until symptoms subside.
You might like reading: 17 Tips to Avoid Eye Problems While Working from Home
2. Teabags
Teabags that are usually discarded after preparing drinks still contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds that help treat eye infections. Believe it or not, their use on the affected area generates a soothing effect that reduces redness and itching.
How to use them
- Put several used tea bags in the refrigerator. Once they’re cold, gently place them over your eyes.
- Let them act for 5 minutes and repeat up to 3 times a day.
3. Bee honey for eye infections
Honey has been cataloged as one of the best natural antibiotics. In fact, it’s suitable to fight several types of bacterial and viral infections. In this special case, it’s very effective, not only because it slows down the growth of microorganisms, but also because it controls inflammation.
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey have been known since ancient times. For this reason, traditional medicine has taken advantage of it in the treatment of various conditions, including some eye diseases, as reported in an article by Pharmacognosy Research.
How to use it
- Combine equal parts of honey with warm water.
- Then, rub the mixture over the affected areas with the help of a piece of cotton wool.
- Repeat its use 2 or 3 times a day.
4. Flaxseed oil
The fatty acids in flaxseed oil have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect that helps control eye infections. Its direct use prevents the itching, burning sensation, and other uncomfortable symptoms that result from this condition.
A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology showed that flaxseed oil reduces inflammation induced by various substances. In this sense, it can be useful for treating allergic and infectious conjunctivitis.
How to use it
- Moisten a clean cloth with linseed oil and rub it over the affected eye.
- Repeat the treatment twice a day for quick relief.
5. Raw potatoes for eye infections
The natural juice secreted by raw potatoes is rich in antibacterial and soothing agents that help improve circulation in the eyes to boost recovery from infections. Its use controls burning and soothes itching and redness.
How to use this remedy
- Cut several potato slices. Let them cool in the freezer.
- Then, place them on the eyelids for 5 minutes.
- Repeat twice daily.
6. Aloe vera gel
The crystals contained in the aloe vera plant are rich in water, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents that speed recovery from bacterial eye infections.
In fact, a study published in the journal Contact Lens and Anterior Eye showed that some alternative and complementary medicine techniques are useful in the treatment of eye diseases. The study in question demonstrated the effect of aloe vera and honey in acute conditions such as blepharitis, showing promising results.
How to use it
- Rub some fresh aloe vera gel over the infected eye.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse with cold water.
- Use 2 or 3 times as you see fit.
7. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is rich in antibiotic compounds that act against microorganisms that cause eye infections. Its oily compounds moisturize the tear ducts and help prevent dryness and itching.
How to use it
- Moisten a cotton swab with the oil and rub it over the affected areas.
- You can make compresses with pieces of cotton in case you need to put them directly on the eyes or eyelids.
- Use it twice a day.
You might find this interesting: The Many Uses of Coconut Oil to Take Care of Your Body
8. Calendula
Both the infusion and oil of calendula exert important effects in controlling these eye conditions. It has antibacterial and antiseptic agents that decrease bacterial growth while soothing swelling and redness.
In fact, there’s scientific evidence for the effects of calendula oil on eye infections. A study published in the Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection showed that it could destroy the biofilm formed by some bacteria. It’s therefore recommended for inclusion in some commercially available eye drops.
How to use it
- Prepare an infusion of calendula and apply the liquid to your eyes with the help of a cloth.
- Repeat the treatment twice a day.
9. Saltwater for eye infections
Saltwater is another effective natural remedy for treating eye infections. It’s a solution whose composition is similar to tears, which will moisturize the eye and facilitate the expulsion of pathogens.
In addition, table salt contains antimicrobial properties, which have been known for many years according to several studies. Thus, it’s a powerful remedy against many minor infections.
How to use this remedy
- Dilute a teaspoon of salt in a liter of drinking water.
- Test the solution and make sure it’s not saltier than a tear.
- Then, rinse the affected eye with the prepared solution.
- Repeat the process a maximum of three times a day until you notice some improvement.
- However, avoid getting saltwater directly into the eye as much as possible to avoid worsening the condition.
In case of symptoms of eye infections, choose one of the above-mentioned remedies and apply it under the recommendations given to provide relief. However, you should avoid combining several at the same time, as they can generate unwanted reactions.
Finally, we recommend maintaining good hygiene in the area. If the symptoms don’t get better after a while, it’s necessary to see a doctor.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Mueller, J. B., & McStay, C. M. (2008). Ocular Infection and Inflammation. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2007.10.004
Nandal, U., & Bhardwaj, R. L. (2012). Aloe vera: A valuable wonder plant for food, medicine and cosmetic use – a review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research.
Orden Martínez, B., Martínez Ruiz, R., & Millán Pérez, R. (2004). Conjuntivitis bacteriana: Patógenos más prevalentes y sensibilidad antibiótica. Anales de Pediatria. https://doi.org/10.1157/13062868