What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also known as red eye, is an inflammatory condition involving the eye or eyes, causing symptoms of irritation, redness and pain. The eye/s may weep, be crusty, and have a purulent discharge (pus). Conjunctivitis can be due to a viral infection, allergies, toxins, or a bacterial infection of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis will often resolves on its own, however can be complicated by a secondary bacterial infection. Treatment medication can cause toxic conjunctivitis due to irritation from preservatives. Allergic conjunctivitis can be associated with rhinitis, seasonal allergies and atopic dermatitis. Red eyes can also be due to other medical concerns.
A combination of treatments may be required with the aim to reduce irritation, eliminate infection and manage probable causes such as allergies. Treatments might include antibiotics for bacterial infection, antihistamines eye drops and oral medication for allergy, and soothing lubricants for dry eye. Antihistamine medication can cause the eye to become dry.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva.
What is the conjunctiva?
The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane lining the surface of the eye and the interior surface of the eyelids. It contains two segments; the bulbar conjunctiva and the palpebral conjunctiva.
- The Bulbar conjunctiva
covers the anterior section of the sclera (the white part of the eye you can see), but not the cornea. - The Palpebral conjunctiva
is the part which covers the inner surface of the upper and lower eye lids.
The main function of the conjunctiva is to keep the front and inner surfaces of the eye moist and lubricated enabling the eyelids to open and close without causing irritation. It also protects the eye from dust, debris and infective microbes. Small blood vessels are contained in the conjunctiva which provide nutrient to the eye and lids and other cells secrete a component of tears to prevent the eye from drying.
Characterising conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is characterised by its developed (etiology), its duration (is it chronic), its severity, and its effect on the surrounding tissue. Is it due to allergies, infectious or non-infectious? Bacterial infection can follow a viral infection.
Conjunctivitis may also be associated with immune-related diseases, and vitamin deficiency. Non-conjunctivitis causes - such as dry eye, inflammation of other parts of the eye, cysts, glaucoma, corneal abrasions and over-use of contact lenses, can be a cause of redness in the eyes. Diagnosis by a medical practitioner is needed to differentiate conjunctivitis from other causes of red eye which may be associated with loss of sight or life-threatening disease.
Types of conjunctivitis
A prompt medical diagnosis of conjunctivitis, ruling out other probable causes, is necessary for the appropriate treatment to be prescribed.
- Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms can include symptoms of mucoid discharge, chemosis (swelling of the thin the conjunctiva), eyelid swelling, redness and itching.
- Viral conjunctivitis can include symptoms of itching, redness and weeping.
- Infectious/bacterial conjunctivitis will often involve a discharge, swelling, eyelashes sticking together upon waking and grittiness. Contact with someone with conjunctivitis will often help confirm diagnosis as bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contageous.
- Toxic conjunctivitis (also called toxic keratoconjunctivitis) is due to an offending agent (toxin), commonly a preservative or medication. Symptoms are similar to allergic conjunctivitis - discharge and eyelid inflammation.
Treating conjunctivitis
Pharmaceutical medicine focuses on the type of conjunctivitis. Tor example, allergic conjunctivitis may require antihistamine eye drops and oral medication. In chronic conditions allergy testing may be useful to establish triggers and avoidance measures. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotics. A swab of from the eye may be taken to identify bacteria or viral causes. Replacing eye drops with non-preservative eye drops for toxic conjunctivitis.
Natural therapies for conjunctivitis
Allegic conjunctivitis
Oral supplementation can help with symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and seasonal allergies.
Quercetin is a naturally occurring polyphenol flavonoid which has been shown to support the management and treatment of allergies. It is available as a supplement for a therapeutic action, and found naturally in many fruits and vegetables - such as onions, apples, berries, tomatoes, grapes, Brassica vegetables, and shallots along with nuts, seeds and tea. Include as many of these in the diet. [3].
Probiotics can have a positive effect in the prevention and treatment of allergic disease. Probiotic strains to look for include Lactobacillus paracasei (LP-33®), Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis in combination, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus salivarius PM-A0006 and Bifidobacterium lactis NCC2818 [4]
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has traditionally been used for conditions of the eye. It contains quercetin and luteolin, flavonoid compounds, which offer an antihistamine action.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
The following herbs offer and antibacterial action:
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea L.) extract offers antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant activity and also an immunomodulating action – making it a beneficial herbal medicine for viral, bacterial and allergic causes of conjunctivitis [6].
Garlic (Allium sativum) contains organosulfur compounds which have been shown to exhibit strong antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria [5]
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) offers antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties [7]
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) offers an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.
Support the immune system
All types of conjunctivitis can benefit from oral supplements which support immunity. These include:
- Echinacea
- Elderberry
- Eyebright
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Probiotics
Viral infections will often resolve on their own without any treatment necessary however, supporting immunity with vitamin C, echinacea, elderberry and zinc can aid recovery.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes are a result of a lack adequate and consistent lubrication and moisture to the surface of the eye. This lubrication is necessary to keep the eye moist and to wash flush away dust, debris and infection-causing microorganisms.
The film provided by tears contains three main components – lipids, mucin, and water each with their own role. For example lipids are oily substances which help prevent tears evaporating too quickly and assist with lubrication. Mucin help tears to attach across the surface of the eye.
The use of antihistamines for symptoms of allergies can be a cause of dry eye.
What can help dry eye
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can help with dry eye
- Drinking more water – especially in warm or windy weather
- Blinking often
- Reducing screen time (phones, computers) – take a break every 20 minutes at least
- Cleanse eye aea thoroughly after makeup use
- Lubricating drops
In summary
Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inside lid. It can be caused by contact with an infected person, allergies or viral infection. Bacterial infection can be extremely contagious. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, swelling and discharge around the eyes. Anti-allergy medication may be needed for allergic conjunctivitis and antibacterial medication for bacterial conjunctivitis. Natural therapies can support the immune system and offer antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant and antiallergic activity.
The information provided is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing any health concerns, please consult your doctor for advice.
References
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/professional/SearchResults?query=bacterial+conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis: A Systematic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431717/
- Quercetin with the potential effect on allergic diseases
- The Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9161695/
- Antibacterial Properties of Organosulfur Compounds of Garlic (Allium sativum) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.613077/full
- Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench: Biological and Pharmacological Properties. A Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9102300/
- Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7185606/
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional.