How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast

You will find how to get rid of pink eye fast and naturally in this article.

What are the symptoms of pink eye?

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. 

The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that covers the front surface of the eye. It also lines the inside of the eyelids.

Pink eye symptoms include:

  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Scratchiness
  • Burning
  • Swelling
  • Discharge

What are the causes of pink eye?

The causes of infectious conjunctivitis are:

  • Viruses
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Parasites

By contrast, non-infectious pink eye is due to:

  • Allergens
  • Drugs
  • Chemicals
  • Toxins

What type of pink eye is contagious?

All the forms of infectious conjunctivitis are relatively contagious.

Nevertheless, adenovirus-induced pink eye is highly contagious2.

What causes acute conjunctivitis?

Viruses are the most frequent cause of acute conjunctivitis. They cause up to 80% of all cases2.

It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.

Yet, some symptoms are characteristic of each type of infection.

What characterizes viral pink eye?

©Wikimedia Viral conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include:

  • Itchiness
  • Red spots
  • Blisters
  • Watery discharge
Red spot in a case of viral pink eye.

Adenoviruses

About 80% of viral conjunctivitis cases are due to adenoviruses2. They include herpesviruses.

Herpes zoster (shingles)

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common cause of viral ocular infections. Namely, 1% of the population will contract ophthalmic zoster during their lifetime3.

©Wikimedia Herpes zoster (shingles) ocular infection.

Herpes simplex

The herpes simplex virus may induce eye blisters.

Eye blisters (vesicles) look like clear bubbles on the white part of the eyeball. 

Blister on the white part of the eyeball (chemosis).

An eye blister is also known as chemosis4,5.

Herpes simplex type 1

About 90% of herpes simplex-induced pink eye cases are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)6. It primarily infects the face. 

Herpes simplex type 2

Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) rarely causes ocular herpes. It is sexually transmitted and mainly infects the genitals.

Other herpesviruses

Cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus are herpesviruses that may also cause conjunctivitis7,8.

Related: What Kills Viruses Naturally? Top 5 Antiviral Herbs

What are the signs of bacterial pink eye?

Bacterial conjunctivitis with purulent discharge.

A whitish, greenish, or yellowish purulent discharge that causes lids to stick together after sleep is commonly a sign of bacterial pink eye.

A bacterial infection is the most frequent cause of conjunctivitis cases in children (50%-75%)2.

Bacterial conjunctivitis pink eye with whitish yellowish greenish discharge.
©Wikimedia Bacterial pink eye with whitish and greenish discharge.

Bacteria responsible for pink eye

The most common infectious agents for bacterial conjunctivitis are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus species9.

Other bacteria responsible for pink eye include9,10:

  • Chlamydia trachomatisNeisseria gonorrhoeaeand Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis.
©Jonathan Trobe, M.D. Chlamydial conjunctivitis.

Besides, Streptococcus pneumoniaeNeisseria gonorrhoeae, and Haemophilus influenza are highly virulent bacteria2.

Related: 7 Strongest Natural Antibiotics

What characterizes fungal pink eye?

Fungal conjunctivitis is a common form of ocular infection12.

Fungal pink eye may be either endogenous or exogenous.

It may come from fungus blood-borne spread to the eye from a distant site or directly introduced into the eye12.

Fungal conjunctivitis.

Fungal infection of the whole eye (fungal endophthalmitis), can cause pain, blurred vision, or dark spots in the visual field12.

Fungi responsible for pink eye

Fungi responsible for mycotic eye disease include12,13

  • Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Blastomyces dermatitidis, Penicillium spp.

Related: 10 Strongest Candida Killer Supplements

What are the signs of parasitic pink eye?

Parasites are often not entered into the equation when trying to identify the cause of pink eye.

Parasitic ocular infections are sometimes mistaken for allergies. 

Ocular giardiasis has, namely, an allergic nature. Furthermore, its diagnosis is generally only made by exclusion12.

©Michael H. Wong Giardia lamblia-induced conjunctivitis.

Although some parasites are more common in tropical climates, others are also prevalent in temperate climates. 

Parasites responsible for pink eye

Among parasites responsible for conjunctivitis, we count12,14:

  • Protozoa
    • Acanthamoeba spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Giardia lamblia
  • Nematodes
    • Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Onchocerca volvulus, and Loa loa
  • Cestodes
    • Taenia solium and Echinococcus spp.
  • Trematodes
    • Philophthalmus lacrimosus15,16, Fasciola hepatica, and Schistosoma spp.14
  • Ectoparasites
    • Insect larvae (myiasis), lice, ticks, and Demodex spp.17

Related: Top 13 Foods That Kill Parasites In Humans

What causes non-infectious pink eye?

Allergic conjunctivitis pink eye chemosis due to pollen.
©Wikimedia Allergic chemosis due to pollen.

Agents responsible for non-infectious conjunctivitis comprise:

  • Allergic conjunctivitis:
    • Allergens
      • Pollen
      • Animal dander2
  • Drug-induced conjunctivitis:
    • Medicinal eye drops
    • Medicinal ointments2
  • Chemical-induced conjunctivitis:
    • Contact lenses solution
    • Chlorine
    • Cosmetics
  • Toxin-induced conjunctivitis:
    • Toxic cleaning products

Seasonal pink eye is also known as vernal conjunctivitis.

How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye Fast

Acute and chronic conjunctivitis

It is essential to differentiate between acute and chronic versions of the disease.

Acute pink eye has a rapid onset and lasts about four weeks or less.

On the other hand, conjunctivitis that lasts longer than four weeks can be considered chronic2.

Treatment for acute and chronic pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Below, you will find how to get rid of pink eye fast with a topical remedy for acute pink eye and a systemic treatment for chronic conjunctivitis.

1. How to get rid of acute pink eye fast

It is possible to get rid of viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and allergic acute ocular infections fast with eye drops made from manuka honey.

Honey

Honey has been known since ancient times for its anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties19.

Antibacterial effects

Honey prevents bacterial proliferation thanks to an enzyme called glucose oxidase.

This enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic20,21.

Manuka honey for pink eye pinkeye conjunctivitis.

Moreover, honey contains inhibines22 and defensins23, proteins with antibacterial attributes.

Besides, honey’s antimicrobial activity is also due to its low pH and the presence of phenolic acids and flavanoids24.

Antiviral properties

Viral conjunctivitis usually does not require treatment2. Nonetheless, honey also has antiviral effects25,26,27,28.

Manuka honey for pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Antifungal activity

Honey also has antifungal attributes29,30.

Antiparasitic properties

Moreover, honey displays antiparasitic activity against protozoa and helminths31,32,33.

Manuka honey

Manuka honey is a type of honey native to New Zealand.

Bees who have collected floral nectar from manuka trees make it.

Like other types of honey, it has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.

Strong antibacterial effects

Moreover, manuka honey contains 100 times more methylglyoxal (MGO) than normal honey34.

The quantity of MGO in manuka honey is proportional to its antibacterial activity35.

Furthermore, manuka honey’s high-terpenic and leptospermonic content gives it exceptional antiseptic attributes36.

This honey inhibits the proliferation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria37.

How to make manuka honey eye drops for conjunctivitis

Manuka honey eye drops are very effective at getting rid of acute pink eye fast.

How to make manuka honey eye drops for pink eye (conjunctivitis) and blepharitis.

Studies have shown that it is safe to use drops made from honey in the eyes38,39,40.

Find Out How To Make Manuka Honey Eye Drops For Conjunctivitis.

Alternatively, ready-to-use Eye Drops Made From Manuka Honey are available online.

Optimel Manuka honey eye drops.
Optimel Manuka Honey Eye Drops.

Put one drop of manuka honey eye drops in your eyes 3 times a day.

Eye drops for pink eye (conjunctivitis) and blepharitis.

On a side note, these eye drops can sting for a few seconds.

2. How to get rid of chronic pink eye fast

In the case of chronic conjunctivitis, the treatment is not limited to eliminating pathogens from your eyes topically.

The same applies to herpetic ocular infections (including eye blisters) and the allergic pink eye caused by pollen: a systemic treatment is necessary.

Eyes and liver connection

In Chinese medicine, the liver externally opens into the eyes.

Liver

The liver meridian connects to the eyes, and visual capacity mainly relies on the nourishment of liver blood41.

©Wellcome Library Liver meridian in Chinese medicine.

Therefore, the eyes can reflect the function of the liver.

For example, the insufficient blood supply from the liver may cause dry eyes and blurred vision.

On the other hand, hyperactivity of the liver will lead to pain and swelling of the eyes41.

Liver detoxification

Here is how to detoxify your liver to get rid of chronic pink eye fast.

Dr. Norman Walker wrote a book entitled “Fresh Vegetable and Fruit Juices” in 197842.

Still today, juicing aficionados consider this book the juicing Bible.

He recommends drinking the following juices for liver detoxification.

Liver cleanse juices to get rid of chronic pink eye

Fresh homemade juices without additives and preservatives are healthier than ready-to-drink juices.

Remark

When you cleanse your liver with Dr. Walker’s juices, your eyes may get redder at first. This is normal.

It may take several weeks for the white part of the eye to turn completely white.

Related: How I Cured My Blepharitis Naturally

How To Get Rid Of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) 2 Best Remedies

Summary: How to get rid of pink eye fast

How to get rid of pink eye fast and naturally:

  1. If you have had symptoms for less than four weeks (acute pink eye), put one drop of Manuka Honey Eye Drops in your eyes three times a day.
  2. If you have had symptoms for more than four weeks (chronic pink eye), cleanse your liver from toxins with the following juices.

Related: Dark Circles Under The Eyes Kidneys Detox Treatment

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