Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Definition of the pathology

Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterised by discharge of purulent secretions and signs of inflammation of the conjunctiva (red but not painful eye).


Associated Symptoms

  • Redness in one or both eyes
  • Presence of thick, yellowish discharge
  • Excessive tearing
  • Itching or pain in the eyes
  • Hypersensitivity to light
  • Feeling of sand in the eyes
  • Slight swelling around the eyes

Causes to be evaluated

  • In most cases, bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by contact with an infected person, especially if proper hygiene is not practiced.
  • However, other factors can also cause conjunctivitis, such as using contaminated cosmetics or brushes, poor contact lens hygiene, frequent use of eye medications, and recent eye surgery.
  • Having other eye problems such as blepharitis, dry eye or structural changes can also increase the risk of developing conjunctivitis.

Naturopathic Protocol

Natural prevention of bacterial conjunctivitis

Natural ways to prevent transmission: The natural treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis involves regular eye cleansing, but also taking preventive measures to avoid infecting others. There are several good habits that can help prevent the infection from being passed from one eye to the other:

  • Rub your eyes as little as possible
  • Avoid touching the healthy eye after touching the infected eye.
  • Wash your hands often
  • Don't share pillows or towels
  • Don't go swimming in a pool

How can I avoid conjunctivitis?

There are factors that can favour this type of infection. You can avoid it by taking a few simple hygiene measures:

  • Wash your hands after cleaning your child's eyes.
  • Always wash your hands before touching your child's eyes, for example when changing a contact lens.
  • If you have dry eyes, you can moisten them with saline solution.
  • Don't exceed the recommended wearing time for your lenses.
  • Rinse your eyes immediately if they come into contact with an irritant.

🍽️ Nutrition

The diet should be rich in:

The main food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin are green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, beets, lettuce, broccoli, zucchini, corn, Brussels sprouts, peas), oranges, peppers, peaches, watermelon and papaya.

For vitamin A, eat eggs regularly (vitamin A is mainly found in the yolk), dandelion, carrots, parsley, blueberries, spinach, fennel, cauliflower, pumpkin.

A diet rich in small oily fish (sardines and mackerel), walnuts, perilla, rapeseed and safflower oils, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, helps to fight inflammation.

Phytotherapy

First Intention:

Grapefruit seed extract:

  • 30 drops, 3 times a day
  • Duration: 7 days

To complement:

Honey is one of nature's miracles: antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial:

  • Dilute a teaspoon of honey in a cup of boiled water. Leave to cool.
  • Then use an empty sterile dispenser (e.g. saline solution) and apply 2 to 3 drops to each eye 3 times a day.
  • You can also apply pure honey to the eye to reduce inflammation.

Aloe vera gel reduces inflammation and speeds healing:

  • Gently apply the gel around the eye and eyelid, massaging and allowing to penetrate.
  • Repeat the gesture 3 times a day.
  • You can also soak a cotton pad in a little aloe vera juice diluted in water to wash the eye.

Potato compress has antibacterial properties:

  • Grate a raw potato and wrap the pieces in a clean, thin muslin cloth.
  • Apply this compress to the eyes for 5 minutes and repeat the process 2 or 3 times a day.

Chamomile relieves the itching and burning associated with conjunctivitis:

  • Soak some chamomile flowers in boiled water, leave to infuse and cool.
  • Soak a cotton pad or sterile compress in the decoction and apply to the eyes for 10 minutes.

💊 Micronutrition

Willow Pollen:

  • 1 tablespoon for breakfast
  • Duration: 1 month

🧘‍♂️ Manual Techniques

🌼 Homeopathy

Two types of homeopathic remedies can be used to treat conjunctivitis. These are the granules, which are used as a background treatment, and the eye drops, which are used to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

  • Once the latter has been diagnosed, it is necessary to take 3 granules of Aconit 5CH, Apis 9CH or Euphrasia 5CH three times a day.
    • The first is very effective against wind allergy, the second reduces oedema and the third relieves redness and irritating secretions.
  • For non-irritating tears, Allium Cepa 4CH is recommended.
  • However, if there is pus formation, Mercurius Corrosivus 5CH or Pulsatilla 7CH is preferred.
  • For topical treatment, use Calendula 3DH or Euphrasia 3DH Eye Drops and a saline solution.