Conjunctivitis and BlepharitisConjunctivitis and Blepharitis
  Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the eye. It is 
  caused most commonly by infection with viruses or bacteria or an allergic 
  reaction. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid. It has the same causes as 
  conjunctivitis.
  Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Vitamin A deficiency has been 
  reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis.1 It is unknown if vitamin A 
  supplementation can prevent or treat conjunctivitis.
  Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual supplement 
  for complete information.) Women who are or could become pregnant should take 
  less than 10,000 IU (3,000 mcg) per day of vitamin A to avoid the risk of 
  birth defects. For other adults, intake above 25,000 IU (7,500 mcg) per day 
  can in rare cases cause headaches, dry skin, hair loss, fatigue, bone 
  problems, and liver damage.
  Herbs that may be helpful: A number of herbs are traditionally used to treat 
  eye inflammations. All preparations must be boiled and kept sterile before 
  applying to the eyes, to avoid infection. Calendula, eyebright, and chamomile 
  are used to help reduce the swelling and redness when applied topically. 
  Comfrey is a soothing herb used for conjunctivitis. Goldenseal or Oregon grape 
  are antimicrobial and should be applied only if the cause is an infection. Oak 
  bark has been recommended for allergic blepharitis. None of these has been 
  studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis, although they have a long 
  history of use. When using herbal medicines in the eyes, it is important to 
  work with a doctor of natural medicine.
  Are there any side effects or interactions? (Refer to individual herb for 
  complete information.) Except for the very rare person who is allergic to 
  calendula and therefore should not use it, there are no known side effects or 
  interactions.
  Due to limited information on the active constituents in eyebright and the 
  need for sterility in substances used topically in the eyes, the traditional 
  use of eyebright as a topical compress cannot currently be recommended. Used 
  internally at the amounts listed above, eyebright is generally safe. However, 
  its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven.
  Although rare, allergic reactions to chamomile have been reported. These 
  reactions have included allergic skin reactions with topical use. While such 
  side effects are extremely uncommon, persons with allergies to plants of the 
  Asteraceae family (ragweed, aster, and chrysanthemum) should avoid use of 
  chamomile. There are no contraindications to the use of chamomile during 
  pregnancy or lactation.
  Comfrey should not be used internally without careful supervision by an herbal 
  practitioner, as it can damage the liver.
  Checklist for Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis
        Nutritional Supplements Herbs Homeopathic Remedies 
        Vitamin ACalendula
        Eyebright
        Chamomile
        Comfrey
        Goldenseal
        Oregon grape
        OakArgentum nitricum 6c
        Mercurius sol 6c
        Hepar sulph 6c

   
  References:
  1. Rankov BG. Vitamin A and carotene concentration in serum in persons with 
  chronic conjunctivitis and pterygium. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1976;46:454-7 [in 
  German]
   
    Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC 
    The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational 
    purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in 
    vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. 
    The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many 
    of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter 
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