Sore eye, also called conjunctivitis, is one of the common eye problems for some, especially during hot seasons like summer. It is contagious; meaning, the infection can spread from one person to another. The symptoms are also uncomfortable that they can affect a person’s daily activities. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for sore eyes.
Causes
Sore eyes have various causes. According to Health Grades, the condition may be due to excessive rubbing or the eyes, airborne irritants like smoke and smoke, environmental factors like chemicals and sun exposure, and inadequate eye lubrication. As per the publication, a person may also have sore eyes due to prolonged close work like using the computer or reading a book. An interesting note is that a wrong eyewear prescription may also lead to the condition, in addition to prolonged contact lens use.
Signs and Symptoms
Sore eyes have many symptoms. According to Eye Health Web, they include eye redness, burning sensation, discomfort, photophobia, difficulty opening the eyes after sleeping, discomfort, eyelids stuck together after sleeping, soreness, watery discharge, runny nose, swollen lymph glands, and sore throat. Medical consult may be necessary if the symptoms become persistent and bothersome.
Home Remedies
Medications can be given as treatment for sore eyes; however, remedies can also be done at home to manage the condition.
Cold Water
One remedy for sore eyes is cold water. According to Style Craze, it relieves eye soreness, which includes swelling. Another option for cold application is the use of ice cubes. As per the publication, the person wraps some ice cubes in a clean cotton towel and places them on the ice. Ice packs can also be used instead of ice cubes. Other options include frozen items; they are placed in a clean piece of cloth and then placed over the eyes for ten minutes.
Warm Compress and Essential Oils
Two other remedies for sore eyes include warm compress and essential oils like chamomile and lavender oil. According to Home Remedies for You, warm compress can be applied using a cotton pad made of sterilized cloth, along with some drops of chamomile oil. As per the publication, chamomile soothes the sore eyes symptoms, especially pain. Lavender oil also has some soothing effects, making the condition less worse.
Cucumber and Potato
Cucumber and potato also help resolve sore eyes. According to Discover Icl, cucumber heals eye soreness and irritation while potato relieves eye inflammation. As per the publication, the cucumber slices are soaked in ice cold water for ten minutes and the placed on the closed eyelids. Then, grated potato can also be put on the eyes for about 15 minutes. The process is done for at least three nights to maximize the benefits.
Milk
Aside from its protein and calcium contents, milk also helps resolve sore eyes. According to VKool, the person may use a cotton ball to dab in the cold milk before it is rubbed around the eyes. As an option, a cotton ball is soaked in milk and is placed on the sore eyes as a compress. The remedy is done twice a day. A mixture of milk and honey can also be used as eye drops to relieve the condition.
Sore eyes are an eye infection, which may spread from one person to another. It also brings discomfort, which may affect a person’s activities of daily living. In this regard, it is vital to seek medical consult for proper assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation. Also, handwashing stands as the best preventive measure against sore eyes spread.
Source: medicalnewstoday.com
