Eye flu, also known as pink eye and conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This transparent membrane is known as conjunctiva. Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated making them more visible and causing the whites of the eyes to appear more red or pink.
Eye flu can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. It can also happen due to a chemical splash in the eye or a foreign object in the eye. In new born babies, a blocked tear duct can cause eye flu.
The different types of eye flu are categorized on the basis of what has caused the condition. These are:
Eye flu is mostly caused by the adenovirus but it can also be caused by other viruses such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
Viral and bacterial eye flu can happen along with colds or symptoms of respiratory infection, like sore throat.
Wearing contact lenses that are not cleaned properly or other people's contact lenses can cause bacterial eye flu.
Both viral and bacterial eye flu are very contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from an infected person’s eye and one or both eyes can get infected.
Allergic eye flu affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. The body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody triggers special cells in the mucous lining of the eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, such as histamines. The body’s release of histamine can cause a number of allergy symptoms, including red or pink eyes.
If a person has allergic eye flu, they may experience intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes.
Allergic eye flu is not contagious.
Eye flu is also associated with irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in the eye. Flushing and cleaning the eye to wash out the chemical or object can cause redness and irritation.
Symptoms of this type of eye flu usually clear up within a day. If flushing does not resolve the issue, then visiting a healthcare professional is important. A chemical splash can cause permanent damage to the eye. Ongoing symptoms could be a sign that the foreign object is still present in the eye. There is also a possibility of causing a scratch on the cornea or conjunctiva.
Due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the blood vessels in the eyes dilate which causes them to appear red or pink.
Due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva during eye flu, a number of symptoms such as itchiness can be seen.
Inflammation caused due to eye flu can lead to a gritty feeling, as if there is debris in the eye.
The gritty feeling caused due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva in eye flu can cause a thick discharge from the eyes.
it is a common symptom of eye flu and is caused by the stimulation of tear glands due to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
The inflamed conjunctiva and cornea become more sensitive to bright light.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Eye Flu using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Dietary Adjustments: Consumption of sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and apricots can help alleviate eye discomfort and support the healing process. Omega-3 fatty acids which are endowed with anti-inflammatory attributes that aid in diminishing eye inflammation and discomfort during eye flu.
Lifestyle Modifications: Practising good hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items, clean surfaces, taking care of contact lenses, avoiding irritants, wearing glasses instead of contacts, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet are important lifestyle modifications to both prevent and treat eye flu.
HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system of India which includes the usage of herbs for rebalancing the energies in the body and improving health holistically. In cases of eye conditions such as Eye Flu, specific combinations of Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on managing and treating the condition of the eye. Listed below are a few recommended Ayurvedic herbs which can help in managing Eye Flu:
Triphala: this ayurvedic herb can help with eye flu as its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties can reduce inflammation, kill harmful bacteria and help combat free radicals that damage the eye cells.
Aloe Vera: it can reduce the inflammation and dryness around the eyes, help fight bacteria & fungi that can develop around the eyes, and can promote healing and reduce redness around the eyes.
Holy Basil: it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which can help soothe eye inflammation and prevent infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Rose Water: it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and cooling properties that can help relieve symptoms.
Turmeric: its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which can help reduce inflammation and prevent eye infections.
Eye flu is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected surfaces or respiratory droplets. It can also spread through sharing personal items like towels, makeup or eye drops.
Eye flu usually lasts up to two weeks, but the duration depends on the cause and treatment.
To prevent eye flu, one can wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated, avoid sharing personal items, maintain a balanced diet with vitamins A, C & E and get regular eye exams.
For the most common type, the average eye flu recovery time is thought to be 4-5 days. This is also the most contagious window for those with viral eye flu.
In many cases, eye flu can be resolved on its own without specific treatment. Proper home care, including warm compresses, hygiene practices, and avoiding touching the eyes, can help relieve symptoms and aid in recovery.
Eye flu is highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
There may be swelling in the upper eyelid and face as well due to eye flu. In rare cases, it can cause temporary blurred vision or a gritty sensation in the eyes.
