Role of Homoeopathy in Conjunctivitis

Role of Homoeopathy in Conjunctivitis

Introduction: 

Conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, is an inflammatory condition affecting the  conjunctiva—a moist tissue lining the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the  eyeball. It is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, tearing, and eye  discharge, and can affect one or both eyes. Conjunctivitis can be broadly categorized into  infectious and non-infectious types. 

Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms and is highly  contagious. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated  surfaces. Non-infectious conjunctivitis, on the other hand, can result from allergens,  irritants, or underlying health conditions. Regardless of its cause, conjunctivitis can be  uncomfortable and inconvenient. Proper hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing  and avoiding touching the eyes, can help prevent its spread. 

Causes and Symptoms

1. Infectious Conjunctivitis: Commonly caused by bacteria or viruses like adenovirus or  herpes simplex virus, infectious conjunctivitis presents with symptoms such as redness,  itching, tearing, discharge (watery, thick, or purulent), crusting of the eyelids, sensitivity to  light, and blurred vision. 

2. Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or  pet dander, allergic conjunctivitis manifests as redness, itching, tearing, eyelid swelling, nasal  congestion, sneezing, and an itchy throat. 

3. Non-Infectious Irritant Conjunctivitis: Resulting from exposure to irritants like smoke,  chemicals, or foreign bodies, this form of conjunctivitis shares symptoms with infectious  conjunctivitis but varies depending on the specific irritant. 

In response to inflammation, the conjunctiva undergoes characteristic changes, including: – Vasodilation of conjunctival blood vessels, leading to conjunctival hyperemia (redness). – Increased vascular permeability, resulting in conjunctival edema and chemosis (swelling). 

– Release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins, which  contribute to pain, itching, and further inflammation. 

– Production of mucus and discharge by conjunctival goblet cells and lacrimal glands, leading  to tearing and discharge. 

Allopathic treatment strategies: 

Topical Antimicrobial Therapy: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are commonly prescribed  for bacterial conjunctivitis to eradicate the infection and alleviate symptoms.

Antiviral Medications: In viral conjunctivitis cases caused by herpes simplex virus or  adenovirus, antiviral drugs may be administered to shorten symptom duration and prevent  recurrence. 

Antihistamines and Mast Cell Stabilizers: Allergic conjunctivitis often responds well to  antihistamine eye drops or mast cell stabilizers, alleviating itching and reducing allergic  inflammation. 

Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops: These aids can soothe the eyes, relieve dryness,  and flush out irritants in non-infectious conjunctivitis cases. 

Homoeopathic remedies commonly used for conjunctivitis, along with their corresponding  symptoms from different Materia medica: 

1. Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright): Profuse, acrid discharge from the eyes, causing irritation  and redness. Eyes may be watery, with burning, smarting pains. Sensation of sand in the  eyes. Discharge can cause burning of the cheeks and upper lip. 

2.Allium Cepa (Common Onion): Profuse, bland discharge from the eyes, which irritates and  excoriates the skin. Eyes are red, swollen, and sensitive to light. Discharge may be acrid,  causing burning and smarting sensation. 

3. Pulsatilla (Wind Flower): Thick, yellow-green discharge from the eyes, which may stick the  eyelids together. Eyes feel itchy, burning, and are oversensitive to light. Symptoms are worse  in warm rooms and at night. 

4. Apis Mellifica (Honeybee): Swollen, puffy eyelids with redness and stinging pains. Eyes  are watery, with a burning, smarting sensation. Sensitivity to light, with a sensation of heat  and inflammation. 

5. Arsenicum Album (Arsenic Trioxide): Burning, watery discharge from the eyes, causing  redness and irritation. Eyes may feel dry, with a sensation of heat and restlessness.  Symptoms worsen at night and in cold air. 

6. Belladonna: Eyes are red, inflamed, and congested. Severe throbbing or pulsating pains in  the eyes. Sensitivity to light; eyes may feel worse from exposure to bright light. Eyes may  appear glazed or glassy. Conjunctiva is swollen and red. Dryness and burning sensation in the  eyes. 

7. Argentum Nitricum: Profuse, acrid discharge from the eyes, causing burning and  excoriating sensation. Eyes may feel dry, with a sensation of sand or grit in them. Redness  and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Sensation of fullness and pressure in the eyes. Vision  may be blurred, especially in the evening. Anxiety and nervousness may be present  alongside eye symptoms.

8. Chlorum Hydrate: Conjunctivitis with profuse, acrid discharge from the eyes. Eyes feel  swollen, with a sensation of burning and smarting. Discharge may cause excoriation and  redness of the eyelids. Sensation of grittiness or sand in the eyes. 

9. Hepar Sulphur (Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum): Conjunctivitis with purulent discharge from  the eyes. Eyes feel sensitive to touch and are extremely painful. Discharge may be thick,  yellow-green, or greenish-yellow. Sensation of something sticking in the eyes, as from a  splinter. 

Homoeopathy operates on the principle of individualized medicine, recognizing that each  person’s symptoms and experiences are unique. Therefore, it is preferable to prescribe  medication based on the totality of symptoms rather than relying on commonly used medicines. 

References 

1. Azari AA, Barney NP. Conjunctivitis: A systematic review of diagnosis and treatment.  JAMA [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2024 Feb 15];310(16):1721. Available from:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24150468/ 

2. Baab S, Le PH, Gurnani B, Kinzer EE. Allergic Conjunctivitis. StatPearls Publishing;  2024. 

3. Sheikh A, Hurwitz B. Topical antibiotics for acute bacterial conjunctivitis: Cochrane  systematic review and meta-analysis update. Br J Gen Pract [Internet]. 2005 [cited 2024  Feb 15];55(521). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16378567/ 

4. Davidson S. Davidson’s principles and practice of medicine. 17th ed. Bouchier IAD,  Haslett C, Chilvers ER, editors. London, England: Churchill Livingstone; 1995. 

5. Boericke W. Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica & repertory. New Delhi,  India: B Jain; 2023. 

6. Kent JT. Lectures on homoeopathic materia medica: Together with Kent’s “new  remedies” incorporated & arranged in one alphabetical order. New Delhi, India: B Jain;  2023. 

7. Hering C. Guiding symptoms of our materia medica. Legare Street Press; 2022. 

8. Clarke JH. Dictionary of practical materia medica: 3-Volume set. New Delhi, India: B  Jain; 2023. 

9. Allen HC. Keynotes and characteristics with comparisons of some of the leading  remedies of the materia medica (classic reprint). London, England: Forgotten Books;  2022.

Authors Name And Details 

Dr Piyush Kumar Tiwari (BHMS, MD Scholar, Govt Homoeopathic Medical College and  Hospital) batch-2020-2021, mob no-7003987878 

Under the Guidance of- 1. Prof. Dr Praveen Jaiswal (HOD, Dept. of Practice of Medicine, Govt  Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital) 

2. Asst Prof Dr Umesh Masram (Dept. of Practice of Medicine, Govt Homoeopathic Medical  College and Hospital)

About the author

Dr. Piyush Kumar Tiwari

Dr. Piyush Kumar Tiwari - BHMS, MD(Hom.) Scholar, Govt Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital) batch-2020-2021