Overview
What is conjunctivitis/pinkeye?
Pinkeye (also called conjunctivitis) is redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and eye surface. The lining of the eye is usually clear. If irritation or infection occurs, the lining becomes red and swollen. See illustrations of a normal eye and one with conjunctivitis.
Pinkeye is very common. It usually is not serious and goes away in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment.

Symptoms
•    Eye redness (hyperemia).
•    Swollen, red eyelids.
•    More tearing than usual.
•    Feeling as if something is in the eye (foreign-body sensation or keratoconjunctivitis).
•    An itching or burning feeling.
•    Mild sensitivity to light (photophobia).
•    Drainage from the eye.

Causes
•    Infections caused by viruses or Bacteria.
•    Dry eyes from lack of tears or exposure to wind and sun.
•    Chemicals, fumes, or smoke (chemical conjunctivitis).
•    Allergies.

Viral and bacterial pinkeye are contagious and spread very easily. Since most pinkeye is caused by viruses for which there is usually no medical treatment, preventing its spread is important. Poor hand-washing is the main cause of the spread of pinkeye. Sharing an object, such as a washcloth or towel, with a person who has pinkeye can spread the infection. People with infectious pinkeye should not attend school or go to work until symptoms improve.

•    If the pinkeye is caused by a virus, the person can usually return to day care, school, or work when symptoms begin to improve, typically in 3 to 5 days. Medicines are not usually used to treat viral pinkeye, so it is important to prevent the spread of the infection. Pinkeye caused by a Herpes virus, which is rare, can be treated with an antiviral medicine. Home treatment of viral pinkeye symptoms can help you feel more comfortable while the infection goes away.  A lotion made with madeira vine in addition to any prescribed antibiotics.  Madeira, a fold remedy common in Mexico and the southern United States is a potent antibacterial.

•    If the pinkeye is caused by Bacteria, apply hot compresses several times daily, since many of the germs that cause conjunctivitis cannot tolerate heat.  To improve the effectiveness of this treatment, add tinctures of barberry, coptis, Goldenseal or Oregon grape root to the compress.

•    If your eyelids are swollen, put a peeled, grated, fresh potato wrapped in gauze over yoour eye.  It acts as an astringent and has a healing effect.  

•    If your eyelids itch, a slice of cucumber applied to the eyelid will help relieve the itch.

Treatment

Barberry, coptis, Goldenseal or Oregon grape root
All of these herbs fight bacterial conjunctivitis.  Take in Tincture/extract form.  Add 1 tsp of Tincture in ¼ cup of water, 3 times daily.  Do not use for more than 2 weeks at a time and contact your herbal provider to adjust dosage for children under 12.  Do not use if you are pregnant or have gallbladder disease, cardiovascular disease or Glaucoma.  Do not take with Vitamin B6 or with protein supplements containing the amino Acid histidine.

Chamomile
Make a cup of Chamomile Tea, let cool and use teabag to make eye compress.  Apply for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily.  This reduces inflammation and especially useful if you have allergies.

Eyebright
Use eyebright eyedrops as directed on the label.  It is a gentle antibacterial and stops inflammation.