Conjunctivits

It is an inflammation of mucus membrane (conjunctiva) that connects the inner eye base and eye lid. It is a most common eye ailment that can occur to any person. If it assumes form of chronicity, all the members must be treated so that the infection does not spread further or else the patient should be segregated from others.

Causes

Dust, smoke, cold winds, overstraining the eyes, exposure to strong sun-rays, hot winds and undue exposure to outside impressions like glitter, lightning, fire, chemicals, gases, fumes, steam etc.

Symptoms

Chief symptoms being intense itching, swelling, redness, watering from eyes, the lids may swell enormously, glue, may sticken the eyes, feeling of sand in the eyes, photophobia, dread of light etc are the common symptoms. There may be occasional heaviness and pain over the eyes. It is also known as the 'Pink eye'.

If the infection is not controlled in time, there may be pus formation in the eyes which is a serious symptom, but vision, generally, is not affected. Allergy is also one of the leading causes. The patient usually fully recovers within 2-3 weeks, without having side effects.

Home Remedies

• Keep the eyes clean and wash with cold water (mixed with borax (suhaga).

• Protect the eyes from cold, heat, glare, infection, dust, smoke. Do not read and strain the eyes.

• Use mild laxative to remove constipation.

• Do not touch eyes with dirty and infectious hands. Use a hanky or cotton swabs to clean the eyes.

• Prepare eye drops, for insertion in the eyes (3-4 times daily), from rock salt 3gms, candied sugar 3 gms and Rasaunt 6 gms and 120ml of rose water. Insert 5-6 drops into each eye, 4-5 times daily but prior to that wash the eyes (with the help of eye-glass cups) with borax mixed cold water. Some patients may be allergic or reactive to this solution hence, use with utmost caution or consult your physician before/during use.