Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of

the conjunctiva.

The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of

the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids.  Usually

causing no danger to the eye or your vision, it is a fairly common

condition. The inflammation can have many causes, the most common

of which are infectious, allergic and irritant.

Apart from the discharge, conjunctivitis does not impair vision. 

Most cases of conjunctivitis are due to a virus or bacterial

infection.  Soft contact lens wearers should practice careful

hygiene when handling their lenses.

Symptoms include itching, swelling and discharge.

The infection should clear within about a week.  To prevent

conjunctivitis do not share makeup, towels or other’s eye

medication.  Treatment normally involves eye drops or ointment.

Hygiene is important to prevent spread of an infection because

conjunctivitis tends to be contagious.

Treatment
This varies depending upon the course, but usually involves the

administration of saline drops. Cool compresses applied to the eye

may help reduce itching and one tablespoon of salt to one quart of

water in a dropper reduces swelling. If soft contact lenses are

worn they should be disposed of. Once the infection has been

resolved, new lenses can be inserted.

Helpful Foods

Bilberry, blueberry, other berries, wheat grass, garlic, fennel,

tempeh, kale, spinach, grape seed extract, carrots, pumpkin, sweet

potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, melons, plums, flaxseed oil, nuts,

reishi mushrooms and kiwifruit.
Herbs
Eyebright
Cayenne (chilli) pepper
Because the eye contains a high percentage of vitamin C, adding

this vitamin has marked effects. Most notable are the prevention

and cure of cataracts, a cure for conjunctivitis, relief from

bloodshot eyes and easing of inflammation. Vitamin C and lipoic

acid is also especially helpful for reducing the pressure

associated with glaucoma.
Sterile, cold water, vitamin C Juice solutions, calendula tea,

goldenseal and chamomile, compresses are topical treatments for

conjunctives that are soothing to inflammation and healing. To

relieve conjunctivitis symptoms as well as general eye inflammation

and fatigue, drinking eyebright tea as its name implies helps do

this. Another thing that works well is applying eyebright topically

after the tea is strained and put into a glass eye cup can work

very well.
Maintaining Health Eyes
The eyes need to be nourished properly, like all other parts of the

body. Proper eye care includes a healthy diet containing sufficient

amounts of vitamins and minerals in addition to making sure that

they eyes are not strained by too much intense close work or

inadequate light.

You must make sure your diet contains the proper amounts of the B

vitamins; vitamins A, C and E; and the minerals selenium and zinc

in order to promote good eyesight. Good sources of these vitamins

and minerals are fresh fruits and vegetables. Include plenty of

these in your diet, especially yellow and orange foods such as

carrots, yams and cantaloupes. To keep your eyes healthy, a well

balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help.

Recommendations

Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green vegetables, raw cabbage,

squash, sunflower seeds and watercress.
To help prevent or alleviate most eye problems drink fresh carrot

juice.
Eliminate sugar and white flour from your diet.
Avoid wearing tinted eyeglasses, especially on a regular basis.

Dark glasses prevent needed light from entering the eyes. The

sunlight largely governs the function of the pineal gland, which

plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism, behaviour

and physiological functions.
Using hair dyes containing coal tar on the eyelashes and eyebrows

can cause injury or blindness. Although coal-tar dyes are legal, it

is illegal to market them for the eyebrows and eyelashes.
For more on this topic and thousands of tips for leading a healthy

and disease-free life, check out my "encyclopaedia of wholefood

medicine", the Farmacist Desk Reference.

CLICK HERE to find out why the FDR is the best investment in your

family's health that you could ever make.
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