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Chapter 8

Conjunctivitis or "Pink Eye"

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Every parent and every teacher and day care worker, for that matter can recognize conjunctivitis or "pink eye," the inflammation of the conjunctiva, or mucous membrane that lines the inner eyelid and the eyeball. Usually caused by bacteria, conjunctivitis can sweep through a classroom or day care center in a few hours. Fortunately, there are simple and safe remedies for this scourge of the playground. But, first, just in case you don't know it when you see it, let's talk about the symptoms.

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the Western hemisphere. Because of its exposed position, the conjunctiva comes into contact with more microorganisms than any other membrane. Most cases are caused by bacteria, such as pneumococcus, staphylococcus or streptococcus, although allergies and some viruses can also cause conjunctivitis.

How do you know if you (or your child) have conjunctivitis? There is usually an acute onset of redness, swelling, lots of tearing, a yellow discharge, and, although there usually is no pain, sometimes there is an itchy, there's- something-in-my-eye feeling. And if it occurs overnight, which frequently occurs because closed eyelids create a nice warm atmosphere for the invading bacteria to grow, the eyelids will probably be stuck together upon awakening in the morning. This is usually the diagnostic indicator of conjunctivitis.

The infection usually starts in one eye and is spread to the other quite readily. Like colds and the flu, conjunctivitis is spread quite easily from one person to another through commonly used items, such as towels, toys, doorknobs, handshakes, etc. And, also like colds and flu, it pays to keep the hands, fingernails and nasal passages clean.

Prevention and Treatment

Conventional medicine usually prescribes sulfa-based eyedrops once other potential problems have been ruled out. These usually work within three days; if they don't, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. But we have found that nutrition, acupressure, herbs and homeopathic remedies are successful ways of treating conjunctivitis without drugs.

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The Vision Diet

In addition to the basic Vision Diet outlined in Chapter 1, eating yogurt, as well as applying it in a compress to the eyes, will help alleviate conjunctivitis. The acidophilus in yogurt combats the bacterial infection. For that reason, we also suggest acidophilus supplements. Eat 1/2 cup of yogurt with live cultures three times a day or take an acidophilus supplement (with about six billion live or probiotic organisms) three times a day.

Vitamins and Minerals

The following are some of the essential nutrients for treating conjunctivitis. Other recommended nutrients can be found in the Conjunctivitis Treatment Program at the end of this chapter.

Vitamin A. We've discussed vitamin A's role in eye health in other chapters, but it is especially important in promoting the health of all epithelial tissues, including the conjunctiva.

Vitamin B complex. Conjunctivitis can be triggered by a vitamin B2 deficiency, but supplementing with the entire B complex can increase the availability of vitamin B2 without inducing deficiencies of the other B vitamins.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, conjunctivitis indicates imbalances and/or deficiencies in the lung and spleen meridians. The strategy in the treatment of conjunctivitis is to choose herbs and acupressure points to build the lung qi, which helps protect the eyes from invasion from environmental pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. We also focus on removing dampness from the spleen meridian, which manifests in irritated eyelids and sticky secretions in the eyes.

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Acupressure

See the Conjunctivitis Prevention Program at the end of this chapter for the acupressure points that have long been used in the treatment of conjunctivitis.

Herbal Remedies

In the treatment of conjunctivitis, we recommend a combination of Chinese and Western herbs. These herbs should be taken internally and applied externally as a compress to the infected eye.

The Chinese formula is called Ming Mu Di Huang Wan (Brighten the Eyes) and it is composed of rehmannia root, cornus fruit, dioscorea root, alisma root, poria fungus, moutan, lycii berries, chrysanthemum flower, red peony, tribulus fruit and haliotis shell. This is a classic tonic for visual problems that involve dry and/or hot situations, such as itchy or red eyes and conjunctivitis. It helps to nourish the kidneys, thus bringing more water and fluids to the eyes, in order to relieve a "hot" condition.

In addition to Ming Mu, take the following herbs, which fight infection, boost the immune system and nourish the eyes. Any of these herbs could also be made into a hot compress. Or, simply put herbal tea bags of any of these herbs which have been briefly immersed in warm water over your eyes.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) tea can be used as an eye wash to reduce the inflammation of conjunctivitis. Place two chamomile tea bags in one cup of boiling water; let steep 10 minutes, cool slightly, and use as an eye wash.

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a good tonic and one of the best for supporting the lymphatic system. It helps the body detoxify, is a natural diuretic and boosts the body's self-healing abilities.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is a popular immune system booster and also has antibacterial and antiseptic capabilities.

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) has been used to treat eye ailments since the Middle Ages. It is especially good for eye inflammations and redness.