Conjunctivitis - Pinkeye

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.

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

Many drugs can cause allergic conjunctivitis, including:

• Antibiotics such as
  • Synthetic penicillins (amoxicillin and ampicillin)
  • Tetracycline
  • Sulfonamides
  • 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 medicine usually prescribes ... more ...

Recommended vitamins, supplements, herbs & other nutritional products.

Diet

In addition to the basic Vision Diet, eating yogurt, as well as applying it in a compress to the eyes, more ...

Vitamins and Minerals

See more information about A & B Vitamins & Conjunctivis.