Conjunctivitis and Blepharitis (Holistic)
About This Condition
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Steer clear of irritants
Put away the contact lenses, and avoid windy conditions, smoke, chlorinated pools, and anything else that irritates your eyes
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See a professional
Visit your healthcare provider or eye-care specialist to find out if your conjunctivitis is caused by a treatable medical condition
About
About This Condition
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane that lines the eye.
Conjunctivitis is caused most commonly by infection from viruses or bacteria, or by an allergic reaction, though other causes exist, such as overexposure to sun, wind, smog, chlorine, or contact lens solution. Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis. Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelid; most commonly, it is caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms
Conjunctivitis and blepharitis may cause mild discomfort with tearing, itching, burning, light sensitivity, and thickening of the eyelids. They may also produce a crust or discharge, occasionally causing the eyelids to stick together during sleep. The eyes and eyelids may become red, but usually there is no blurring or change in vision.
Supplements
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
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1 Star
Calendula
Refer to label instructions
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Calendula has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.
Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. |
|
1 Star
Chamomile
Refer to label instructions
|
Chamomile has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.
Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. |
|
1 Star
Comfrey
Refer to label instructions
|
Comfrey has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.
Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. |
|
1 Star
Eyebright
Refer to label instructions
|
Eyebright has been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation.
Several herbs have been traditionally used to treat eye inflammation. Examples include calendula, eyebright, chamomile, and comfrey. None of these herbs has been studied for use in conjunctivitis or blepharitis. As any preparation placed on the eye must be kept sterile, topical use of these herbs in the eyes should only be done under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. |
|
1 Star
Goldenseal
Refer to label instructions
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Goldenseal contains berberine, an antibacterial constituent that has been clinically studied for eye infections.
Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. While topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections, the use of the whole herbs has not been studied for conjunctivitis or blepharitis. |
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1 Star
Oregon Grape
Refer to label instructions
|
Oregon grape contains berberine, an antibacterial constituent that has been clinically studied for eye infections.
Goldenseal and Oregon grape contain the antibacterial constituent known as berberine. While topical use of berberine in eye drops has been clinically studied for eye infections, the use of the whole herbs has not been studied for conjunctivitis or blepharitis. |
|
1 Star
Vitamin A
Refer to label instructions
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Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis, but it is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can help the condition.
Vitamin A deficiency has been reported in people with chronic conjunctivitis. It is unknown whether vitamin A supplementation can prevent conjunctivitis or help people who already have the condition. |
Last Review: 06-02-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains 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. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.
