Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis (Holistic)

About This Condition

Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is usually triggered by an infection or allergic reaction. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Steer clear of irritants

    Put away the contact lenses, and avoid windy conditions, smoke, chlorinated pools, and anything else that irritates your eyes

  • See a professional

    Visit your healthcare provider or eye-care specialist to find out if your conjunctivitis is caused by a treatable medical condition

About

About This Condition

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the eye.

Conjunctivitis is caused most commonly by infection from viruses or bacteria, or by an allergic reaction, though other causes exist, such as overexposure to sun, wind, smog, chlorine, or contact lens solution. Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid; most commonly, it is caused by a bacterial infection.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis and blepharitis may cause mild discomfort with tearing, itching, burning, light sensitivity, and thickening of the eyelids. They may also produce a crust or discharge, occasionally causing the eyelids to stick together during sleep. The eyes and eyelids may become red, but usually there is no blurring or change in vision.

Supplements

What Are Star Ratings?
SupplementWhy
1 Star
Calendula
Refer to label instructions
Calendula has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.

Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

1 Star
Chamomile
Refer to label instructions
Chamomile has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.

Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

1 Star
Comfrey
Refer to label instructions
Comfrey has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.

Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

1 Star
Eyebright
Refer to label instructions
Eyebright has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.

Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional.

1 Star
Goldenseal
Refer to label instructions
Goldenseal contains berberine, an antibacterial constituent that has been clinically studied for eye infections.

Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. While topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections, the use of the whole herbs has not been studied for conjunctivitis or blepharitis.

1 Star
Oregon Grape
Refer to label instructions
Oregon grape contains berberine, an antibacterial constituent that has been clinically studied for eye infections.

Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. While topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections, the use of the whole herbs has not been studied for conjunctivitis or blepharitis.

1 Star
Vitamin A
Refer to label instructions
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis, but it is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can help the condition.

Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis. It is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can prevent conjunctivitis or help people who already have the condition.

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