Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is the term used to describe an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is a transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. In most cases pink eye is caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction. In newborn babies an incompletely opened tear duct can also cause the condition.

People with pink eye may feel as though something is caught in the affected eye that just can’t seem to be removed. Discharge may also come from the affected eye while a person is asleep. When they awaken, sometimes the eye can be pasted shut because of this. The whites of your eyes may begin to have a pink discoloration, and you may not see as clearly as you did before.

Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more prominent from inflammation which results in a pink or red cast to the whites of the eyes. Conjunctivitis is commonly referred to as pink eye and/or red eye.

Very rarely does pink eye affect a person’s eye sight but the inflammation itself can be very irritating. Pink eye is contagious so the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better.

The most common signs and symptoms of pink eye include:

- Redness in one or both eyes

- Itchiness in one or both eyes

- Blurred vision and sensitivity to light

- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes

- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night

- Tearing

The causes of pink eye include:

Viruses and Bacteria - With viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, one or both eyes can be affected. While viral conjunctivitis usually produces a watery or mucous discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis often produces a thicker, yellow-green discharge. Both forms are associated with colds and are extremely contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than it is in adults.

Allergies - Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergy causing substance such as pollen and affects both eyes. With allergic conjunctivitis, a person may experience intense itching, tearing, inflammation of the eyes, sneezing and watery nasal discharge.

Other causes include:

- A Chemical Splash in the Eye

- A Foreign Object in the Eye

Following the regimen outlined below can help you both prevent and treat pink eye naturally and safely:

Wash hands with soap thoroughly.

Refrain from rubbing the affected area to avoid spreading infection to the unaffected eye.

Do not share anything that comes into contact with your eye such as towels, wash cloths or pillowcases with others.

Children with pinkeye should remain home from school for a few days to avoid spreading the infection to classmates.

In some cases, bacterial conjunctivitis can be avoided by vaccinating infants against Homophilius B.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be avoided by identifying allergic triggers and staying away from them.

Always take proper care of contact lenses.

The supplements listed below may be helpful as well:

Quercetin (1,000 mg to 5,000 daily) - A powerful bioflavonoid that is effective in halting the symptoms of conjunctivitis.

Vitamin A (25,000 IU daily for 30 days. Then reduce to 15,000 IU daily) - Promotes immunity, which is important to preventing viral conjunctivitis.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (2,000 - 6,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Shields the eye from further inflammation.

Zinc (50 mg daily) - Enhances immune response.

Calendula, Chamomile, Fennel and Eyebright Herbal Teas - Can be used to make soothing hot compresses for the eyes.

Goldenseal (take as directed on label) - Effective in treating conjunctivitis.