Conjunctivitis — known as pink eye or “Madras eye” — is inflammation of the thin clear layer covering the white of
the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It makes eyes red, gritty and watery. Most cases are viral, spread quickly
in households and schools, and clear up by themselves within one to two weeks. A few signs mean something more
serious and need an eye doctor the same day.
See an eye doctor the same day if you have
Eye pain (not just grittiness), or pain when looking at light
Blurred or reduced vision that doesn't clear with blinking
Redness in one eye only with a headache, nausea or haloes around lights
You wear contact lenses — risk of a serious corneal infection
A newborn with red, sticky eyes in the first four weeks
Injury to the eye, or a feeling that something is stuck in it
Chemical splash (lime, cement, cleaning products): rinse the open eye immediately with clean
running water for at least 15–20 minutes, then go to an emergency department.
What is conjunctivitis?
The conjunctiva is a thin membrane full of small blood vessels. When it is inflamed by a virus, bacteria or an
allergy, the vessels widen, making the eye look pink or red, and the eye produces more tears or discharge.
Conjunctivitis usually does not affect vision. Outbreaks are common in India during and after the monsoon.
A painful red eye or any change in vision needs an eye examination. Never put home-made drops, juices, honey or oils into the eyes.
Types compared
Comparison of viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis
Viral
Bacterial
Allergic
How common
Most common
Less common in adults; more in children
Common, seasonal
Discharge
Watery
Thick yellow or green; lids stuck together in the morning
Watery or stringy
Key feature
Starts in one eye, spreads to the other; may follow a cold
Sticky eyes
Itching; both eyes; sneezing
Contagious?
Very — for up to 2 weeks
Yes
No
Usual course
Clears in 1–3 weeks
Clears in 5–7 days; drops can shorten it
Lasts while exposed to the trigger
Helps
Cool compresses, lubricating drops
Cleaning lids; antibiotic drops if prescribed
Avoiding triggers; anti-allergy drops
Antibiotic drops don't help viral conjunctivitis. Irritants such as smoke, chlorine and eye make-up can also cause short-lived redness.
Home care
Gently clean crusts from the eyelids with cotton wool soaked in cooled boiled water, wiping from the inner to the outer corner. Use a fresh piece for each wipe and each eye.
A cool, clean, damp cloth over closed eyes eases discomfort and itching.
Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) from a pharmacy soothe grittiness.
Stop wearing contact lenses until the eyes are completely better; throw away lenses and cases used during the infection.
Avoid eye make-up until clear, and discard make-up used during the infection.
Don't use steroid eye drops unless an eye doctor has examined you — they can cause serious harm with some infections.
Stopping the spread
Wash hands with soap often, especially after touching the eyes or applying drops.
Don't share towels, pillows, handkerchiefs, eye drops or make-up.
Change pillowcases and face towels daily.
Avoid swimming pools until better.
Children with infectious conjunctivitis may be kept home from school for a few days during an outbreak, if the school asks.
Looking at someone with conjunctivitis does not spread it — touch does.
Medical treatment
Most people need no prescription. A doctor may give antibiotic drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis
that isn't settling, and anti-allergy drops or tablets for allergic conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis caused by
chlamydia or gonorrhoea, and infections in newborns, need specific treatment. An eye specialist will examine with
a slit lamp if any warning sign is present.
Ayurvedic view
Reduce the aggravated dosha in the eye → cool inflammation (Pitta, Rakta) → keep the eyes clean → protect vision.
Ayurveda's eye specialty (Shalakya Tantra) describes Abhishyanda — literally “oozing” — as the
root of many eye diseases, with red, watery, sticky or itchy eyes depending on the dosha involved: watery
and painful in Vata, burning and red in Pitta, itchy with thick discharge in Kapha,
and intensely red in Rakta. The texts also recognise it as contagious (aupasargika), passing
between people through contact and shared articles. Management includes eye cleansing, cooling measures,
light food, avoidance of strain and sun, and, in specialist hands, medicated eye preparations.
Ayurvedic care & safety
Rest the eyes; avoid screens, smoke, dust and bright sun; wear sunglasses outdoors.
Eat light, cooling food; avoid very spicy, sour and fried food while inflamed.
Internal Triphala and Amalaki are traditionally used for eye health.
Never put home-made liquids into the eyes — including Triphala water, rose water, honey, breast
milk, juices, ghee or herbal decoctions. They are not sterile and can cause severe corneal infection and
permanent vision loss. Eye preparations (Aschyotana, Anjana) should only be used when prepared
sterile and applied by a qualified Ayurvedic eye specialist.
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