Conjunctivitis (kon-junk”ti-vi’tis) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent lining that covers the back of the eyelid and loops back to cover the sclera (the white of the eye), right up to the edge of the cornea.It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
There are multiple causes of which the most common is “acute contagious c.” known as “pink eye”. It is difficult to distinguish viral from bacterial causes without a laboratory culture analysis. Bacterial infections are most common unless an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold co-exists which would make a virus the prime suspect.
It is highly contagious and caution needs to be applied to keep it from spreading through the family, school or workplace. Isolation of treatment materials and diligent hand washing is very important.
Acupuncture treatment is usually very effective in resolving acute conjunctivitis. The Chinese medicine diagnosis attributes conjunctivitis to excess Wind and Heat. If these excesses are not cleansed from the body, an acute condition will become chronic. Acupuncture points on the back of the neck, by the temple and on the hand are used to disperse and drain the excess Wind and Heat.
Certain botanicals (herbs) and/or homeopathic cell salts can also be used to relieve conjunctivitis. One of my personal favorites is Eyebright (euphrasia officinalis) used as an eyewash, combined with acupuncture.
For more information on treatment contact me via: The Doctor is In or call 604.524.6855