Infections commonly occur in the tissues that cover the white front surface of your eye -- an infection called conjunctivitis. This may occur from viral infections like the common cold, but bacteria and fungi may also cause infections. Infections may also occur in your inner eye, affecting your iris or the gel-like substance that fills the back of your eye. You may want to use supplements such as oregano oil, but this supplement may have little to no effect on your condition.
Oregano Oil
Many chefs use oregano to flavor their recipes, but this fragrant herb may also have uses outside the kitchen. People who use oregano oil as a supplement believe this product may help treat conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite these potential health benefits, oregano oil has no direct link as a treatment for an eye infection. Oregano oil may have some anti-fungal properties, but this may not translate to eye care.
Side Effects
Oregano oil use does not typically cause side effects, but if you put the oil in your eyes, you have an increased risk for surface irritation and vision changes. If you have an allergic reaction to oregano oil, you may experience itching, stinging or severe inflammation of the surface tissues and eyelids.
Symptoms
If you have signs of an eye infection, contact your doctor for an appointment. Your symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, swollen lids and light sensitivity. You may have pain that seems to come from your inner eye, and you may also experience vision changes. Contacting your doctor immediately will not only help your eyes feel better quickly, but you may prevent complications such as permanent vision loss if you have a serious eye infection.
Considerations
You should not begin using oregano oil in your eyes without consulting your doctor since contact with the oil could irritate your eyes and cause complications. Some supplements may interact with medications and health problems, and your doctor can help you determine if you have factors that would prohibit you from using oregano oil or other supplements as part of a regimen of care.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Oregano Oil
- Drugs.com: Oregano
- All About Vision; Eye Infections, Including Bacterial, Fungal and Viral; Marilyn Haddrill and Brian Chou; October 2009
- "International Journal of Food Microbiology"; Inhibitory Effects of Selected Turkish Spices and Oregano Components on Some Foodborne Fungi; A. Akqül, et al.; May 1988
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