Do you experience painful irritation and redness in your eyes? It could be an eye infection. Bacteria, viruses, environmental pollution, and allergens—these are just a few of the potential causes of infection in your eyes. Knowing these diverse causes can help you make informed decisions about your eye health.
While you go to the eye doctor for prompt management of such infections, you may wonder what mother nature holds for the cure. If you are looking for natural remedies to cure your eye infection or complement the medical treatment, you are on the right deck.
Here are 8 Natural Remedies For Curing Eye Infections
Let’s check out what the remedies are and how you may follow them to benefit your eye health.
-
Cold Compress
Cold is a natural remedy for subsiding swelling, increasing blood flow to a specific area, and numbing pain. All these symptoms are present when you have an eye infection. Cover some ice cubes in a clean towel or use a cold gel pack. Gently place them on your eyes and wait for 10 minutes. Remember to never put them on your eyes without covering them with a cloth or towel.
-
Warm Compress
On the other hand, a warm compress relieves eye infections that cause dryness, irritation, and swelling. The heat helps promote blood circulation and healing. Dip a clean towel in warm water, squeeze it, and then place it on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat 3-4 times a day for best results.
-
Salty Water or Saline Solution
Do you know that saline or salt water acts as an antibacterial? Yes, they do! To rinse debris or dirt particles from your infected eye, use a dropper and apply a few drops of saline water several times a day. To make a saline solution at home, boil a cup of water, let it cool down, and add 1 tbsp of salt.
-
Chilled Green Tea Bags
Tea bags, whether green or black, may serve as a natural remedy to soothe your eye infections. Tea contains tannins, which are a natural anti-swelling, antibacterial, and antioxidant ingredient. Use two tea bags, put them in the freezer for 5 minutes–chill them. Then place cooled tea bags on your eyes for 15 minutes. It will refresh your eyes and soothe any kind of irritation. Recurrent eye infections may darken the skin around your eyes—you may use an under eye corrector for dark circles.
-
Honey
Honey and its sweetening effect act as a natural antibacterial ingredient—it may be beneficial for treating eye infections. To use it, make a honey-water solution. Mix raw honey (one part) with distilled water (two parts). Then, use a sterile dropper to put this solution drop by drop in your eye. Use these drops once or twice a day, and make sure your hands and tools are clean.
-
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber slices are not limited to spa experiences; they can also be a natural remedy for soothing an infected eye. Rich in water, cucumbers are an anti-swelling agent, soothing irritation and swelling. Cut a fresh cucumber into slices and put a slice on your eye for 10-15 minutes. It will give you an immediate cooling effect, which may relieve the discomfort.
-
Breast Milk
People have been using breast milk to treat eye infections, particularly those in infants. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and antibacterial agents that may help reduce swelling and fight the infection. If you are breastfeeding, you may apply a few drops of milk to the infected eye using a clean dropper. If you are to use this remedy for an infant, it’s best to consult a doctor to make sure it’s appropriate and safe.
-
Chamomile
Chamomile is another Mother Nature gift—it is a herb that has soothing and anti-swelling properties. Such characteristics make it another gentle natural remedy for treating eye infections. You may use chamomile tea bags like regular tea bags and put them on your eye for a soothing effect. Another way to use it is by making a chamomile eye wash. Soak a chamomile tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and gently use a clean cotton pad or cloth to clean the infected eye.
All these natural remedies are derived from what Mother Nature has gifted us. Still, before using any remedy, it’s essential to consult your eye doctor to stay safe and use the remedy appropriately.
Additional Tips To Take Care During An Eye Infection
- Practising good hygiene.
- Use clean eye makeup brushes.
- Wear sunglasses to add some style but protect your eyes from harmful sun rays.
- Avoid using mascaras and eyeliners for long.
- If you use skin care products, understand how to use face serum to avoid irritating your eyes.
Bottomline
Natural remedies may offer relief and support healing for mild eye infections. By using gentle, at-home solutions like a warm or cold compress, tea bags, or cucumber slices, you may take proactive steps to help improve your eye health. However, it’s always good to get in touch with your doctor. The eye is a sensitive organ and should be looked after professionally. Take steps towards better eye health.
For more info visit Kaz Magazine.