One of my favorite cases was treating a girl with acute conjunctivitis.

Because she was in so much pain, and homeopathy brought fast relief.

Just one dose of the right remedy solved the problem.

She was happy.

Her mother was happy.

Mom was so happy she sent me a photo the next day, of the eye in the clear.

I was thrilled.

Unfortunately, acute conjunctivitis is extremely common right now, as of this writing.

In the homeopathic groups on Facebook we see MANY posts from worried mothers, asking for help.

Conjunctivitis is commonly known as “pink eye.”

It has many causes, including viral and can be one manifestation of a notorious virus currently in circulation.

Pink eye can also be caused by bacteria, allergies or anything that irritates the eye.

Homeopaths look at potential causes when taking a case. Etiology is really important.

But we also focus on symptoms.

Much of the time it appears as if Moms on Facebook treat conjunctivitis themselves.

If they’re not successful this is when they reach out for advice.

There are relatively few remedies we think of first.

I’ve listed them below, along with a short description of their characteristics.

It’s also possible a remedy not commonly used for eye inflammation is the one that’s needed.

Because homeopathy is an intricate and highly individualized form of healing.

Homeopathic Remedies For Conjunctivitis

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Fortunately, many cases of conjunctivitis will respond to either Pulsatilla or Euphrasia.

But you should still try to match carefully, to avoid giving a remedy that doesn’t work and potentially makes the case tricker to solve. With conjunctivitis the symptoms could match a number of remedies. Itching, burning and discharge of pus are typically part of the picture. So you need to look beyond the eye for other clues. Look at the mood. Look at thirst. Look for symptoms that occur in other parts of the body.

• Pulsatilla – This is a well-known children’s remedy but it can also be used for adults or for anyone whom fits the picture. Often the cause is viral. There’s a non-irritating thick yellow discharge and it may spread from one eye to the other. The eye irritation may be worse at night, starting around twilight. People who need Pulsatilla are generally better outdoors, in the cool open air. A warm stuffy room will make them feel worse. They like gentle walking and movement. The child may want sympathy and attention. He may be more “clingy” than usual. They may complain their eye burns or itches, and they probably want to rub it. They may not be thirsty.
• Euphrasia – The eye may water and the discharge can burn. The eye discharge can also be thick and yellow, similar to Pulsatilla. There may be a sensation of sand being in the eyes. Someone who needs Euphrasia may be extremely sensitive to light. If the person also has a cold or other infection the nose may also be very watery. But the nasal discharge won’t burn the upper lip. There may be a great deal of eye pain. This was the remedy needed by the young girl I wrote about above. She was in a great deal of pain. A person who needs this remedy may not be inclined to talk or discuss symptoms.
• Apis – This can look a little different than Pulsatilla and Euphrasia, with more stinging and swelling. Apis is known for its ability to alleviate swelling in various parts of the body, especially if the person feels better with cool air and applications. The eyes are typically swollen and red, possibly with little fluid-filled bags around them. The eyes may also be painful, with burning and stinging. Someone who needs this remedy may also be sensitive to light. But covering the eyes is also excruciating. People who need Apis also may not be thirsty.
• Aconite – This remedy may be helpful if the conjunctivitis comes on suddenly, after exposure to cold dry winds. Or after an eye injury or surgical procedure.
• Argent Nit – This is more advanced conjunctivitis where the eye can resemble a slab of raw meat. At this point homeopathy needs to work fast or the person needs emergency medical care. The eye itself may be filled with pus. The lids are swollen, sore and ulcerated.
• Belladonna – Like with Aconite, conjunctivitis can come on suddenly. The pupils may dilate and the person may feel throbbing pain, especially while lying down. The eyes can feel swollen, with the sensation they’re protruding from the face. (Even though they’re not.) This is a more dry conjunctivitis and the whites of the eyes will typically look red. (Belladonna is well-known for its redness.) The eyes may hurt and feel congested.
• Arsenicum – The eyes burn (Arsenicum is known for burning pain) and tears can be hot and irritating. Like with Apis you may see swelling around the eyes. The eyelids may be red and the person may suffer from intense sensitivity to light. You may see other Arsenicum keynotes, such as restlessness, fussiness and desire for small sips of liquid.
• Rhus Toxicodendron – This is better known as a poison ivy remedy. But don’t forget it as a potential remedy for acute conjunctivitis, especially if some of the above choices don’t work and itching is a prominent feature. The condition may be advanced with profuse yellow pus. There may also be redness and swelling. The eyelids may be glued together and the person has great difficulty opening them. Like Arsenicum you may see restlessness.
• Sulphur – Itching will probably be prominent, similar to Rhus Tox. There may not be much pain, but the eye is swollen, red and itchy, with a possible discharge of pus.

This is just a PARTIAL list of remedies for acute conjunctivitis.

There are about 75 potential remedies listed in the Repertory in the Eye section, under conjunctivitis.

Plus any remedy that fits the totality of the case can potentially help.

If you’re first remedy choices don’t work please consider reaching out to a homeopath.

Members of our Facebook group can receive low-cost acute consultations.