Conjunctivitis is a type of eye infection commonly known as "pink eye." Symptoms may include redness, itching, swollen eyelids, drainage, pain and irritation. The infection may resolve within a short time, but in the case of a more extensive infection, you require treatment. Some people may consider using coconut oil to treat conjunctivitis instead of prescription medication. Knowing the possible benefits of coconut oil will help you determine if this is the best method of treatment for your eyes.
Types
A bacterial infection may cause conjunctivitis, and this type of infection may stem from situations such as not washing your hands, then touching your eyes. More commonly, conjunctivitis may appear as a result of an allergic reaction to plants, pet dander or other allergens. Another common type of conjunctivitis results from a virus, such as the common cold.
Coconut Oil
The lauric acid found in coconut oil may help prevent viral infections and thus may help prevent or reduce symptoms from viral conjunctivitis. You should not apply coconut oil directly onto your eye, because this could exacerbate your symptoms or cause blurry vision. Some naturopathic health professionals recommend a dose of 3 or 4 tbsp. of unrefined coconut oil each day. This amount may vary for each person, so you should discuss an appropriate dosage with your health care provider.
Additional Treatment
Medicated eye drops cannot resolve a viral eye infection. If the symptoms worsen or you notice changes in your vision, you should contact your eye doctor. She may need to prescribe an eye drop to help relieve the severity of your symptoms. For added relief, you may need to dampen a clean washcloth with cool water and place the cloth against your eyelids.
Considerations
Talk with your eye doctor before you begin taking coconut oil. High doses of the fat contained in coconut oil may affect your overall health, and your doctor can inform you about the risks and benefits of coconut-oil treatments. If you take medicated eye drops for conjunctivitis, do not stop taking the eye drops without first consulting with your doctor.
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