Allergic conjunctivitis is the medical name for a typical eye allergy. Whenever our eyes get in contact with an allergen, it starts suffering from conjunctivitis. Our body releases a specific chemical called histamines that cause swelling in the blood vessels of the eyes.
The whites of our eyes and eyelids are covered with a transparent layer called the conjunctiva. The allergic reaction results in swelling of the conjunctiva, thus the name allergic conjunctivitis. Ayurveda offers a completely natural and permanent treatment of this allergic eye disease. How? Let’s find out.
Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Constant itching
- Watering
- Increased light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
Ayurveda describes a few other symptoms which include foreign body sensation, dryness, mild inflammation, and constant watering.
Causes of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Netra Abhishyandam is the name Ayurveda gives to conjunctivitis. There are three basic causes of conjunctivitis:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Hypersensitive reaction to non-harmful entities by the immune system. The substances may include things like dust, pollen, toxic chemicals, etc.
Types of Allergic Conjunctivitis
Basically, allergic conjunctivitis is of two types -Chronic and Acute. Acute conjunctivitis results in a sudden reaction while at the chronic stage the symptoms come and go. People with other kinds of allergies are more prone to get this allergic eye disease.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment In Ayurveda
Ayurveda considers netrabhishyanda as an impairment of Kapha and pitta doshas. Human eyes are controlled by pitta, the fire element, but when attacked by the water element (Kapha), it turns the eyes into an abhishyanda (wetland). Naturally, it starts fiddling with the eye health and results in swelling, yellow discharge, watery secretions, and redness.
Ayurvedic treatment for allergic conjunctivitis includes internal cleansing herbs that alleviate the aggravated Kapha and pitta doshas. Herbal pastes and Panchakarma therapies further alleviate the affected area. Herbs used in this process cleanse the irritated energies. Along with, Ayurveda also offers some diet (aahar) and lifestyle (vihar) changes.
Diet and lifestyle Changes
Allergic conjunctivitis mostly occurs during season change in India. Whenever the air gets filled with humidity, the disease starts thriving. So, the best way to protect yourself from this problem is to stay away from the causes of the disease. Keep your eyes clean and wipe them with a clean cloth to prevent any kind of contamination.
Home Remedies For Allergic Conjunctivitis Treatment
- Cold Compress: A cold compress can be very effective in providing immediate relief. You may either use a small piece of linen cloth or cotton cloth and dip it in ice-cold water. Squeeze away the excess water from that piece of cloth and apply it over your eyes. Do it 3-4 times a day and it will help in controlling swelling and itchiness due to the allergic reaction. Just make sure you use a different piece of clothing every time you do it to make the infection worse.
- Saline Solution: Wash your eyes regularly with saline solutions. It is one of the most recommended home remedies for allergic conjunctivitis. The solution is a mixture of salt and water and then used as an eyewash. Saline solution is effective in minimising irritation and inflammation in the eyes. Just ensure that the solution is at room temperature and not hot.
- Rose Water: Rosewater is known for its soothing and anti-inflammation qualities. Just add a few drops of rose water to the infected eye twice for 2-3 days. It may play a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms. You may add the water over cotton balls and keeping them over your eyes. Rosewater can also help in getting rid of the dust particles that result in allergic conjunctivitis.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has a very important element called curcumin that imparts it with exceptional healing properties. It is known to be quite effective in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. Turmeric can bring down irritation and inflammation of the eyes during the course of infection. Its antibacterial properties can control the infection and keep it from worsening. Just boil some water with a teaspoon of turmeric. Soak a piece of cotton in it and use it as a warm compress.
- Aloe Vera gel: Aloe vera is well known for its soothing properties. It has compounds like amodin and aloin that are anti-viral and anti-bacterial in nature. Apart from alleviating the discomforting symptoms of eye allergy, aloe vera is also known for speeding up the healing process against allergens. Whenever you notice the symptoms of conjunctivitis, start applying the aloe vera gel around the affected area.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea can also be used as a cold compress or a conjunctivitis eyewash. It offers relief from itchiness and swelling in the eyes. Just pick up two chamomile tea bags and leave them in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Refrigerate the tea bags and apply them over the infected eyes. It has anti-microbial properties that make it effective against this eye allergy.
- Triphala Powder: Soak half a teaspoon of Triphala powder in a glass overnight. Pass the solution through four folded materials to filter the solution well. Wash your eyes every morning with the solution. It not only controls the symptoms but also treats its root cause for good.
- Yoga: Yoga asanas like sukhasana, savasana, and Sarvangasana can be very beneficial in improving overall eye health. They can revitalise the sensory organs and improve the oxygen and blood circulation through them. Ayurveda also describes Tradaka as a useful exercise for allergic conjunctivitis. Just keep staring at a specific point, a small dot, or a light source (not very bright) for some time.
