Natural Home Remedies For Conjunctivitis (RED Eye)
Quick Answer
Good news - most cases of red eyes (aankh aana) in children can be safely treated at home with simple gharelu nuskhe (home remedies). For mild conjunctivitis without fever or severe pain, home care is often enough. However, always consult a doctor for babies under 3 months or if symptoms don't improve within 3-4 days.
Understanding Red Eyes in Children
Watch: Breast Milk vs. Formula: Why Breast Milk is Best for Your Baby! #breastfeedingbenefits #babyhealth
Red eyes or laal aankh is a common concern for Indian parents. Before trying home remedies, it's important to understand that red eyes can be caused by:
Viral infection - Often comes with sardi-khansi (cold and cough)
Irritation - Smoke, pollution, chlorine from swimming pools
Tiredness - Lack of sleep or too much screen time
Age-Specific Home Care Guide
For Babies (0-12 months)
Safe Remedies:
Maa ka doodh (Breast milk): The safest and most effective natural remedy for babies. Put 1-2 drops of fresh breast milk in each eye, 2-3 times daily. The antibodies in breast milk fight infection naturally.
Saline drops: Use sterile saline drops available at any chemist (like Nasoclear). 1-2 drops to clean the eye.
Warm water cleaning: Gently wipe crusty eyes with cotton dipped in lukewarm boiled water.
What NOT to do:
Don't use kajal or surma - these can irritate the eyes
Don't use honey drops - not safe for infants
Avoid any herbal eye drops without doctor's advice
For Toddlers (1-3 years)
Safe Remedies:
All baby-safe remedies above
Cold compress: For allergic red eyes, use a clean cloth soaked in cold water on closed eyes for 5-10 minutes
Cucumber slices: Chilled cucumber on closed eyes for relief (only if child cooperates)
Rose water (Gulab Jal): Use pure rose water on cotton pads for 10-15 minutes
For Older Children (3+ years)
Safe Remedies:
All above remedies
Chamomile tea compress: Brew chamomile tea, cool it completely, use as eye wash or compress
Warm compress: For sticky discharge, warm compress helps loosen crust
Turmeric water rinse: 1/4 teaspoon haldi in 1 cup boiled water, cooled completely - use to gently rinse eyes (antibacterial properties)
Step-by-Step Home Remedies (Gharelu Nuskhe)
1. Breast Milk Drops (Best for Babies)
How to use:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap
Express 1-2 drops of fresh breast milk
Gently pull down baby's lower eyelid
Drop the milk directly into the eye
Let baby blink naturally
Repeat 2-3 times daily
Why it works: Breast milk contains immunoglobulin A (IgA) and other antibodies that fight bacteria naturally.
2. Saline Water Rinse
How to make at home:
Boil 1 cup water and let it cool
Add 1/4 teaspoon salt (namak)
Stir until dissolved
Use within 24 hours, store in clean container
How to use:
Use a clean dropper or cotton ball
Gently rinse the eye from inner corner to outer corner
Haath dhulai: Make handwashing a habit, especially after coming home
Aankh mat ragado: Teach children not to touch or rub eyes
Saaf towel: Use clean, separate towels for face
Dhool se bachao: Protect eyes from dust and pollution
Screen time: Limit TV and mobile use to prevent eye strain
Swimming: Use goggles in swimming pools
Nutrition: Include vitamin A rich foods - gajar (carrot), papita (papaya), palak (spinach)
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: Can I use kajal or surma for my baby's red eyes?
A: No, avoid kajal and surma completely. These can introduce more bacteria and make the infection worse. They are not recommended by pediatricians for any eye condition.
Q: How long does red eye take to heal with home remedies?
A: Mild viral conjunctivitis usually improves in 5-7 days. Bacterial conjunctivitis with home care may take longer. If no improvement in 3-4 days, see a doctor.
Q: Can red eye spread to other family members?
A: Yes, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. Maintain strict hygiene - separate towels, frequent handwashing, avoid touching face.
Q: Is it safe to send my child to school with red eye?
A: No, keep your child home until there is no discharge and redness has significantly reduced. This prevents spreading to other children.
Q: Can I use the same home remedies for both eyes?
A: Always use separate cotton/cloth for each eye to prevent spreading infection from one eye to the other. Start with the less affected eye.
Q: My child's eyes are red but there's no discharge. What could it be?
A: This could be allergic conjunctivitis, eye strain from screens, or tiredness. Try cold compress and reducing screen time. If it persists, consult a doctor.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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