Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelid. This disease can be very contagious. In its most common form, it is the source of feelings of faintness which usually prove to be harmless. But if left untreated or in case of negligence, this condition can become serious.
There are several types of conjunctivitis, among which one can include viral, bacterial, allergic and irritant conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is often caused by a virus called adenovirus and is very contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis can result from a gonococcus in children, or be caused by a Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus or other bacteria in adults. As for allergic conjunctivitis, it is not contagious and it is often associated to allergic rhinitis. It can also be due to an allergy to certain products, or even dust. The light type of conjunctivitis, irritant or toxic conjunctivitis, can be caused by wind, dust or an exposition to excessive light.
Conjunctivitis is very easy to diagnose. A person suffering has red, and sometimes purulent, eyes. The affected eyes are hypersensitive to wind and light and constantly itch. A painful inflammation can also appear around the eyes. In some cases, conjunctivitis is accompanied by substantial sneezing and nasal secretions. If the treatment is not followed from start to finish, the affected eye can suffer from severe lesions that often lead to blindness.
Two types of homoeopathic remedies can be used to cure conjunctivitis. Granules are used for preventive treatments while eye drops help reduce the symptoms resulting from the pathology. Thus, as soon as the condition is diagnosed, take three granules of Aconite 5 CH, Apis 9 CH or Euphrasia 5 CH three times a day. The first remedy is very effective against wind-related allergies, the second helps to reduce ophthalmic oedema while the third one helps to relieve redness and irritant secretions. In case of non-irritant tearing, opt for Allium Cepa 4 CH. However, in case of pus formation, favour Mercurius corrosivus 5 CH or Pulsatilla 7 CH, depending on the extent of suppuration. Regarding localized treatment, use eye drops containing Calendula 3 DH or Euphrasia 3 DH as well as a physiological saline solution.
It is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist if the symptoms persist after two days of treatment. However, there is no need to wait for the third day of treatment to consult a doctor if the pus is abundant and very condensed around the infected eye. Also, if the conjunctivitis becomes recurrent, meaning that it disappears after the treatment only to reappear a short while afterwards, further in-depth medical examination will be required in order to resolve the pathology once and for all.
Good to know: Homoeopathy is very effective for the treatment of conjunctivitis but it also requires more time than a simple ophthalmologic treatment since it acts in-depth.
