Conjuctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. Commonly known as “Pinkeye” in USA and “Madras eye” in India.

Causes of Conjunctivitis
    Many varieties of bacteria and viruses can cause pinkeye. The organisms that cause the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) gonorrhea and chlamydeous can also infect the eye and cause conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis also can be caused by same viral infection such as adenovirus and can occur in someone battling a cold or the flu. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs more frequently among kids with allergic conditions, such as hay fever. It is also caused by some allergens such as grass or ragweed pollen. Other allergy causing substance like animal dander or dust mites can cause symptoms of conjunctivitis. Chemicals such as those in chlorine and soaps or air pollutions, such as smoke and fumes can also lead to pink eye.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
    One of the most common symptoms is discomfort or pain in the eye which may feels like the sensation of having sand in the eye .Redness of eye and inner eyelids, swollen eye lids, sensitivity to bright light,itchness and tearing. Discharge from the eyes, which may cause the eyelids to stick together. Ear infection can occur in some kids who are diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis because similar bacteria can cause both infections.

Contagiousness
    All types of infectious are contagious. A child can first become infected from direct contact with some one who has the infection or something that person has touched, such as a used tissue. It also spreads through coughing and sneezing. Certain viruses spread in the summer time when the kids swim in contaminated water or share-contaminated towels. Conjuntivitis caused by allergies or irritants in the environment such as chemicals are not contagious.

Leading Homoeopathic Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Argentum nit - Inflamed eye with swollen eye lids, white or yellow discharge.
Eupharsia - Eye inflammed,burning and watering,irritating discharge patient cannot bear bright light.
Mercurius - Discharge yellow and sticky, eyes swollen and hard to open, patient feverish with oily sweat.
Pulsatilla - Profuse discharge that is bland, white or yellow.
Arsenicum Album - Eyes red, painful and burning particularly inside the eyelids,with acrid, burning discharge better from warm applications.
Belladona - Dry inflamed, glaring eye, pupils dilated with absence of any discharge.
Kali Mur - Sore eyes, with discharge white or greenish slite or specks of white matter on the lids.
Kali Phos - Neuralgic pain in the eye with flow of tears from wetness or exhaustion after illness.
Nat Mur - Eye red and inflamed with discharge of watery Mucus or flow of tears. Discharge irritates the skin may cause small blisters to form.
Ferrum Phos - Eyes red and inflamed ,with burning relieved by cold application often resulting from over strain.