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.
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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)