Eyeball cleansing is a method to ease eye inflammation or infection. Your eyes generally become inflamed due to bacterial or viral infection, allergies, cosmetics or overuse of eye drops. According to the Native Remedies website, surgery, trauma or environmental irritants, such as airborne chemicals and dust, can also cause inflammation. While some irritations or infections may require prescription treatment, you can aid in the healing process and find relief by trying home remedy eye cleansing techniques. Please consult with your doctor before using any herbal remedy.
Types of Eye Infection
In addition to cosmetics and environmental irritants, your irritation may also be due to an eye infection. Typical eye infections include conjunctivitis, or pink eye, which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the clear membrane covering the outermost layer of the eye. Conjunctivitis is typically caused by allergies, eye irritants and bacterial or viral infection, according to Natural Remedies. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids often caused by poor hygiene, can cause "chronic dry eye." Another common eye inflammation is keratitis, occurring in the cornea region of the eye. Keratitis is usually caused by poor contact lens hygiene. These conditions require physician consultation for diagnosis and treatment recommendations, but home cleansing remedies may help heal the infection and relieve symptoms.
Rose Water Cleansing
Natural Remedies says you can relieve redness from infection or inflammation by using a mixture of alum powder and rose water. Combine 4 grams of alum powder with 30 grams of rose water. Place two to three drops of this mixture in the eye every night. You can purchase these ingredients online or at a local store.
Cleansing Excess Oil
If poor hygiene is the problem, try getting rid of excess oils from your eyelids, advises the Mother Nature website. First, cleanse the lids and lashes with a mild soap or shampoo, such as baby shampoo. Next, gently massage the lower lid in a downward motion. Massage the upper lid as well. Then, pat off any excess oil with a tissue. Perform this every night for one to two weeks.
Other Sources for Relief and Healing
You can also try herbal supplements or teas to help fight the infection. According to Natural Remedies, certain herbs, such as bilberry, may help prevent eye infection and heal existing eye problems. Aspalathus linearis, or roobois, is another ingredient said to promote eye recovery by helping supply the eyes with essential nutrients, blood and oxygen needed for optimum eye health.
Considerations
As with all home remedies and applications, the ingredients in certain home remedies may increase irritation and even cause irritation in the skin or allergic reaction surrounding the eye. If you experience redness, itchiness or rash on your skin, or if you experience facial swelling, hives and wheezing, you may be experiencing skin irritation or allergic reaction. Discontinue the remedy and consult your physician.
Warning
Your irritation or infection may be indicative of an underlying cause, such as sinusitis or a corneal ulcer. In addition, your inflammation may have a more serious cause, such as herpes or measles. As always, it's best to consult your physician before self-treatment with home remedies.
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