Conjunctivitis - Pinkeye
by Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.

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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. Some cases are caused by bacteria, such as pneumococcus, staphylococcus or streptococcus, although allergies and some viruses can also cause conjunctivitis. Other cases are caused by a virus called adenovirus. This virus can be spread in many ways including swimming pools, wet towels, etc. The infection usually starts in one eye and is spread to the other quite readily. It usually results in red, irritated eyes and disappears in three days to a week. If the symptoms linger, go to the eye doctor. The infection can enter the cornea and create little clouded areas that may affect vision.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

  • Red, irritated eyes
  • Glued eyelids from discharges overnight upon wakening in the morning
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A feeling of itchiness and griminess

Conjunctivitis Causes

Drugs that can cause allergic conjunctivitis:(see "Drugs That Harm the Eyes" for a more complete list of harmful drugs:) Antibiotics - when antibiotics are given for eye problems topically they may have the side effect of causing an allergic conjunctivitis (red eye). Systemic antibiotics taken orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously to help with bacterial infections may cause some visual symptoms.
For example:
1. Synthetic penicillins (amoxicillin and ampicillin)- a person taking these may experience some mild redness of the eyes, itching and dry eyes. In rare cases they have been shown to cause hemorrhages of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva and in the retina
2. Tetracycline- similar to the above plus light sensitivity and blurred vision.
3. Sulfonamides - many people are allergic to "sulfa drugs". This can cause blurred vision, light sensitivity and hemorrhages in the eye.
Note: Whenever taking antibiotics make sure you take probiotics such as acidophilus or bifidus and vitamin C to help ward off some of the side effects of the antibiotics.

Conventional Treatment

Conventional medicine usually prescribes sulfa-based eyedrops once other potential problems have been ruled out. These usually work within three days. If not, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. In the case of a virus, not much can be done. An old time traditional treatment is includes a 1% silver nitrate or 5% povidone/iodine solution will help eliminate the virus-infected cells by exfoliating the surface of the eye, as well as killing the virus itself.

Complementary Treatment

Very Important
EyeEase Formula is an herbal tincture from Integral Health Associates that combines Western and Chinese herbs to help ease conjunctivitis and sties. Recommended dosage is 1/2 dropperful 3 times a day for treatment when infection is present. Best taken on empty stomach.
Precaution: Do not use EyeEase directly on your eyes. It is to be taken only internally, or can be used as a compress (make 8 ounces of boiling water. Put in 1 dropper full of EyeEase. Let the alcohol burn off for one minute then let the water cool down till its warm. Proceed to dip in a washcloth and place over your closed eyes.
Very Important
St. Lucia Eyedrops is a unique formula that is an important addition to any nutritional management eye care program. It is derived from botonicals from the South American Rain Forest, and has been found to help draw toxic accumulations out the eye. Recommended dosage is one drop in each eye at bedtime. Cost is $55 per 0.5 ounce bottle. Each bottle lasts approximately 2 months.
Helpful MSM Eyedrops soften the membranes, allowing fluids to pass through the optical tissues. When our optical membranes become permeable, nutrients are able to penetrate through the optical tissues and provide nutrients needed for the body to heal itself. MSM softens tough-leathery tissue, equalizes pressure, repairs damaged membranes, clears up red spots and broken blood vessels and may help remove floaters and other eye particles. Cost is $6 per 1 oz bottle.
Various homeopathic remedies are available. The following is a list provided in "The Eye Care Revolution" by Dr. Robert Abel, MD:

  • Apis (for itching and burning eye and hot tears)
  • Belladonna (for eyes with burning pain, dilated pupils, and light sensitivity)
  • Euphrasia (for allergic pinkeye)
  • Ferrum phosphate (if pinkeye is diagnosed very early)
  • Hepar sulfate (when eyes and eyelids are very sensitive to touch, cold and light)
  • Mercurius (for a several-day-old infection in eyes that have a profuse, burning discharge
  • Pulsatilla (for eyes that burn, itch, and have a thick discharge at night that glues the eyelids shut

Self Help

Diet
In addition to the basic Vision Diet, 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 the 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
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is especially important in promoting health in all epithelial tissues, including the conjunctiva.

Vitamin B Complex: Conjunctivis 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.

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