Eye Infection: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An eye infection, also known as conjunctivitis or blepharitis, is an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid.

Caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants, it can result in symptoms such as redness, itching, discharge, and vision impairment. If left untreated, eye infections can lead to long-term damage to the eye and even vision loss. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula can be used to soothe and calm the eye.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may exacerbate the condition or interact with other medications.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of eye infection, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of eye infection?

The main causes of eye infection are bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens that can enter the eye through various routes, including touch, contaminated water, and poor hygiene practices.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, while viral conjunctivitis is commonly associated with adenovirus and herpes simplex virus. Fungal infections, such as keratitis, can be caused by fungi like Aspergillus and Fusarium, which can enter the eye through contact with contaminated water or soil. Other factors that contribute to eye infections include underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and compromised immune systems, as well as improper use of contact lenses and contaminated makeup.

Additionally, sharing personal items, like towels and makeup, can also increase the risk of eye infection.

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is the most common cause of eye infection, typically resulting from the presence of bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, which can spread through direct contact with an infected person's eyes, contaminated water, or inadequately cleaned contact lenses.
• Viral conjunctivitis: Viral conjunctivitis is the second most common cause of eye infection, often caused by viruses such as adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and enterovirus, which can be spread through direct contact with an infected person's eyes, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets.
• Contact lens-related infection: Contact lens-related infection is a common cause of eye infection, typically resulting from improper lens hygiene, contaminated lens case, or inadequate lens cleaning and disinfection, which can lead to the growth of bacteria, fungi, or amoebae on the lens.
• Herpes simplex keratitis: Herpes simplex keratitis is a common cause of eye infection, caused by the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus in the trigeminal nerve ganglion, which can lead to inflammation and scarring of the cornea.
• Fungal keratitis: Fungal keratitis is a less common cause of eye infection, typically resulting from the presence of fungal pathogens such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, and Candida, which can be spread through contaminated water, soil, or plant material.
• Trachoma: Trachoma is a less common cause of eye infection, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be spread through direct contact with an infected person's eyes, contaminated water, or poor hygiene.
• Onchocerciasis: Onchocerciasis is a rare cause of eye infection, caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which can be spread through the bite of an infected blackfly.
• Acanthamoebiasis: Acanthamoebiasis is a rare cause of eye infection, caused by the protozoan Acanthamoeba, which can be spread through contaminated water, soil, or contact lenses.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for eye infection?

The main medicinal herbs used for eye infection are Calendula officinalis, Echinacea purpurea, Euphrasia officinalis, Symphytum officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Achillea millefolium, and Echinacea angustifolia.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce eye inflammation and prevent infections. Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia contain compounds that boost the immune system and protect against infections, while Euphrasia officinalis is traditionally used to treat conjunctivitis and other eye infections due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Symphytum officinale and Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, have soothing and moisturizing properties that help calm and heal eye irritation, while Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow to the eyes, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Hypericum perforatum and Achillea millefolium are used to reduce eye inflammation and promote healing due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with eye infections due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory effects that enhance the body's natural defenses, thereby reducing the severity and duration of eye infections.
• Euphrasia officinalis: Euphrasia officinalis is used to treat eye infections such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and protect the eyes.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale, also known as comfrey, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and promote healing in the eyes, making it useful in the treatment of eye infections.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to soothe and protect the eyes, thereby reducing the severity of eye infections.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have direct benefits for eye infections, but its antioxidant properties may help to reduce oxidative stress and promote overall eye health.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the severity of eye infections.
• Achillea millefolium: Achillea millefolium has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce swelling and prevent the growth of microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia has immunomodulatory effects that enhance the body's natural defenses, thereby reducing the severity and duration of eye infections.

What are the main herbal preparations used for eye infection?

The main herbal preparations used for eye infection are Tincture, Decoction, Ointment, Cream, Gel, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Suppository, Eye Drop.

Tincture of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) and Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is used to treat conjunctivitis and inflammation due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Echinacea (Echinacea spp.).

is used to treat conjunctivitis and promote wound healing. Ointments and Creams of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) are used to soothe and calm irritated eyes.

Capsules of Ginkgo biloba and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) are used to treat dry eye syndrome and improve vision.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the leaves of Calendula officinalis helps with eye infection by applying its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties topically to reduce swelling and prevent the spread of infection.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the roots of Echinacea purpurea helps with eye infection by releasing its antimicrobial properties into a liquid solution that can be applied topically or ingested to stimulate the body's immune response and fight off the infection.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the resin of Commiphora molmol helps with eye infection by providing a physical barrier to protect the eye from further infection and promoting the healing of the affected area with its antimicrobial properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of Aloe barbadensis helps with eye infection by soothing the affected area with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing swelling and promoting the healing of the eye.
• Gel: A gel made from the leaves of Aloe vera helps with eye infection by providing a soothing and protective barrier to the affected area with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing swelling and promoting the healing of the eye.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the extract of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with eye infection by releasing its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties into the bloodstream, which can then target the infection and promote the healing of the affected area.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) helps with eye infection by applying its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties topically to the affected area, reducing swelling and preventing the spread of infection.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantain (Plantago major) helps with eye infection by applying its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties topically to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting the healing of the eye.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the extract of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with eye infection by releasing its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties directly into the affected area, targeting the infection and promoting the healing of the eye.
• Eye Drop: An eye drop made from the extract of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) helps with eye infection by releasing its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties directly onto the affected area, targeting the infection and promoting the healing of the eye with minimal irritation.