Eye infections are common, and they can affect people of all age groups. It can be caused by a number of microbiological germs, bacteria, allergies, viruses and can affect both the eyes or just one of them.

Image source: Google copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License  

Types of eye infections

The most common types of eye infections are,

Conjuctivitis (also known as pink eye)

This results in the reddening of the eyes. It is caused by a virus which triggers irritation. It can also be an allergic reaction to a beauty or medical product.

Hordeolum (also known as sty)

The Staphlococcal bacteria causes hordeolum. These bacteria live on the skin surface, and results in the formation of a lump that is red in color, on the eyelid. It can also form at the base of your eyelash. It is painful and it itches.

Blepharitis

When tiny sebaceous glands near our eyelashes get clogged, the eyelids get infected, resulting in blepharitis. The infection feels intensely itchy. In serious cases, blepharitis leads to burning sensations. You are bound to feel as if something is in your eyes, trying to tear your eyes open.

Orbital cellulitis

This is a bacterial infection, in which all the tissues around your eye gets infected. It should not be ignored because it is a serious infection that can have lasting problems.

Keratitis

Keratitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and even fungi. Any foreign element in the eye can lead to keratitis. If not checked early on, Keratitis can injure the cornea, badly.

Dacryocystitis

This eye infection occurs in our tear duct.

---

Suggested read: The complete guide on how to get beautiful, sparkling eyes with home remedies

---

Causes of eye infection

The following can cause an eye infection,

• Immune deficiencies
• Trauma
• Surgery
• Poor hygiene
• Exposure to someone else’s infection, if it is contagious
• Exposure to damaging chemicals

Symptoms of eye infection

Some of the most common symptoms of eye infection are,

• Excessive tearing
• Redness
• Swollen eyelids
• Yellow discharge
• Crusting around your eyes
• Itching
• Pain
• Feeling of sand or dirt in the eye

Depending on the type of the eye infection, and the degree to which your eyes have been affected by it, symptoms vary.

Though an eye infection, normally, does not cause a permanent damage, it is still a concern because of the discomfort it causes.

It is vital that you get your eyes checked by a doctor, in case the condition is serious, so serious that it can damage the blood vessels, optic nerves and the retina.

Meanwhile, you can try your hands on these home remedies for eye infection. These are so effective that they speed up the healing process. Also, they are inexpensive, which is an additional perk!

Home remedies for eye infection

Here are the 10 most effective home remedies that can cure eye infections in a jiffy!

1. Warm compresses

Warm compresses work wonders on styes. The heat enhances blood circulation to the eyes, which in turn, promotes healing. Warm compresses also reduce the pain and inflammation. It also averts further infection.

Remedies

• Boil a bowl of water.
• Dip a lint-free towel in the water, and then wring out the excess water. Make sure the towel is clean.
• Hold the cloth on your eyelid for about 5 minutes. Keep your eyes closed while giving the hot compress.
• Repeat the treatment a few times.
• In case, the infection is in both of your eyes, use separate compresses for each eye.
• This remedy must be repeated at least a couple of times, throughout the day, for quicker action.
• Now clean the extra oil or scales on the eyelids using a clean soft cloth.

2. Eyebright

Image source: Google copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License  

Euphrasia or eyebright is an herbal treatment that can cure eye infections in no time. Not just that, it helps you get rid of the irritation caused by infections like pink eye.

Eyebright has a fluid-drying power, in addition to its infection-fighting quality that expedites the process of healing. Also, it stops the infection from spreading to the other eye, if only one of the eyes is infected.

A single dose of euphrasia drops can cure a number of conjunctival conditions, says a study published by Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a journal.

Remedies

• Use this solution to wash your eyes. Repeat this remedy several times a day.
• Strain this water with a cheesecloth. Make sure the cloth is clean.
• Once the water boils, remove it from the fire, and let it cool.
• Add a teaspoon of eyebright herb, and put it on simmer.
• Bring a cup of water to boil.

3. Saline Solution

Image source: Google copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License  

A homemade saline solution can give you quick relief from an eye infection. Washing your eyes with saline solution can help you in case of irritated, itchy and/or inflamed eyes. The saline solution also lets you get rid of the collected dirt and debris in and around your eyes, which further ensures that the infection does not spread.

Remedies

• In a cup of water, add half a tablespoon of salt.
• Mix well.
• Boil the solution. Once it is boiled, allow it to cool.
• Now, use this solution to rinse your affected eye.
• Repeat the remedy a couple of times to get the expected result.
• Use distilled water, as tap water can contain harmful chemicals or impurities, which just boiling might not be able to get rid of.

---

Suggested read: A quick guide to the most common eye ailments and their solutions

---

4. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal silver effectively reduces eye irritation, owing to the silver particles suspended in the water. When colloidal silver is used as an eye drop, it attracts the germs from the infected eye, electromagnetically. The particles are then sent to the bloodstream, from where they get flushed out of our system.

Remedies

• In each eye, put a drop of colloidal silver.
• Use this two times a day.
• Alternatively, you can buy colloidal silver ointment from the store and put it around your eyes. This will help reduce the itching, significantly.

5. Honey

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

Honey, due to its antimicrobial properties heals the eye infection by killing harmful bacteria. For best results, use organic and natural honey.

Remedies

• Mix honey and distilled water in a ratio of 1:1.
• Using a cotton ball, apply this mix to the eye.
• Carry out this treatment thrice a day, for as long as it takes for the infection to heal completely.

6. Green Tea

Image source: Pinterest

The tannin in green tea helps get rid of infections. It also soothes irritated eyes, and reduces under-eye swelling. Green tea is filled with antioxidants and nutrients which is amazing for the overall eye health.

Remedies

• Soak a couple of green tea bags in boiled water. Let it steep for a few seconds.
• Now, remove the bags, and squeeze out the extra water.
• Place the bags in the fridge, and let them cool.
• Now wash your eyes with cool water, and then place the tea bags on your closed eyes.
• This remedy must be repeated several times a day until the infection is cured.

7. Chamomile

Image source: Pinterest 

Chamomile is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, which makes it amazing for treating conjunctivitis.

Remedies

• In a cup of boiled water, add dried chamomile flowers. Let it steep for a couple of minutes.
• Now strain the water, and let it cool.
• Use this solution to clean your inner and outer eye.
• Repeat this treatment every three hours through the day.

8. Boric acid

Boric acid heals eye infection and its symptoms, like redness, burning sensation, tearing and dryness.

Remedies

• In a cup of filtered water, mix one-eighth of boric acid.
• Boil the solution, and then let it cool.
• Strain this solution using a cheesecloth. Make sure the cloth is clean.
• Now use this solution as an eyewash.
• Repeat it thrice a day.

9. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar treats pink eye in no time. The malic acid in it works like an antimicrobial agent that fights bacterial infection. It also helps clean the eye, which promotes the healing process.

Remedies

• In a glass of water, add half a tablespoon of unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• Using a cotton ball, apply the solution outside the infected eye.
• You must repeat this remedy thrice a day until the infection is healed.

10. Breast Milk

This is a very effective home remedy for eye infection. It helps get rid of pink eye too, especially in infants. It can also treat ear infection in babies.

The antibodies like immunoglobulin E present in breast milk, prevents the infection from attaching itself to the mucosal surface of your eye. This stops the infection from spreading further.

Remedies

• Put some breast milk in a cup.
• Use an eye dropper (make sure it is clean) to put 2 to 3 drops of the milk in the eye.
• Repeat the treatment twice a day.

---

Suggested read: 9 essential daily eye care tips for clear and beautiful eyes

---

Extra tips for eye infection

• Use eye drops from the store to get some respite from the symptoms that are linked with eye infection.
• Stop splashing tap water into your eyes, since it might be rich in Iron, and that in turn, might aggravate the situation.
• Dilute some baby shampoo in a glass of water. Use this solution to clean the dirt and debris around your eyes to prevent the itching.
• Use rosewater around your eyes to get some relief.
• Do not share eye makeup with others.
• Do not share face towels or even beddings with someone, in order to prevent spreading of infection.

That is all we have on home remedies for eye infection. Did you find this guide worth the while? Let us know in the comments below!

For more on health and fitness, sign up for our daily newsletter today!

Featured image source: Google copyright-free image, under Creative Commons License