8 home remedies that can help prevent eye flu in monsoon

As the monsoon season arrives, it not only brings a sense of relief from the scorching heat, but also ushers in a host of infections and diseases. The combination of humid weather and stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for various illnesses, posing a significant threat to our health. Among the common monsoon-related ailments, eye flu, or conjunctivitis, emerges as a frequent concern. This highly contagious condition can cause discomfort and irritation, leading many to seek effective home remedies for relief. In this article, we share with some of the common myths related to eye flu, its symptoms, how does it spread along with a few home remedies that are proven to combat the eye flu and protect our eyes during this challenging time. But, if the problem persists, do consult a doctor for the same.

Some of the common symptoms of eye flu or conjunctivitis are pain, irritation, redness, blurry vision, fluid discharge, sensitivity to light, and swelling of eyelids along with others.

Eye flu is one of the common diseases of monsoon and every year people are affected by it. Often referred to as 'pink eye', this common eye disease is associated with several myths and it is important not to believe in them. One such myth is that you can get affected by looking into the eyes of an infected person, which is not true. Whenever you have an itch, irritation or pain in eyes along with redness, make sure that you visit a doctor. Another popular myth is that one can only get conjunctivitis by rubbing the eyes. However, it's not the case. Even if you touch your eyes with infected hands, it spread in your eyes.

The first and foremost thing you must do is, wash the hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes with unwashed hands. Make sure to follow good hygiene practices that include a balanced diet and sufficient sleep. Also, make sure that no personal items are shared with anyone and that your environment is clean and safe.

Eye flu or conjunctivitis, is a common monsoon diseases which can spread through various means. It is mostly understood that coming in direct contact with an infected person is the basic form of spread, but that doesn't mean including in the eyes of that person. If a person is infected with such eye flu, it is often advised not to touch the eyes or rub them, as the virus/bacteria can be present on the hands, which we use for doing daily chores. And if not disinfected, it can easily be transferred to another person as the area is contaminated. It can also be transmitted through the air where there is less ventilation.

Honey has anti-bacterial properties, which can prove effective in curing eye infections. To use honey, for eyes, mix 2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of water and wash your eyes with this water. By doing this, pain and irritation in the eyes can also be relieved.

To get rid of eye flu, rose water can prove to be very beneficial. Actually, it has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, which help fight infection-causing bacteria. Rose water cools the eyes and also cleans the eyes. Just put two drops of rose water in each eye and close them for a minute. You will feel an instant relief from pain and irritation in the eyes.

Tulsi or Holy Basil is known to have antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which help in removing eye infections. It can also help in getting relief from burning or pain sensations in the eyes. For using Tulsi for eyes, soak basil leaves in water overnight and next morning, wash your eyes with this water. Use it for 3-4 days, and you will feel some difference in the pain.

This might come as a shocker, but potato has a cooling effect and can help in reducing eye irritation. The properties present in potatoes can prove to be helpful in preventing eye infections. For this, cut the potatoes into thin pieces. Place potato slices over your eyes before sleeping at night. Keep it on for about 10-15 minutes, then remove it. This will also give relief from swelling and pain of the eyes.

Green tea is also loaded with antioxidants, and can help relax your eyes along with reducing the puffiness and pain. For this remedy, you can dip green tea bags in lukewarm water and then place them on each eyes. Or, you can cool these tea bags in the refrigerator and then use them on your eyes.

This spice has several medicinal uses due to its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties. But, many would be surprised to read that turmeric can also help in preventing eye infection. However, it works like magic for the eyes. All you need to do is, add a pinch of turmeric powder to lukewarm water and mix it. Now, soak a cotton pad in this water and wipe your eyes with it. This will clear the dirt present around the eyes and help in preventing infection.

Another simple hack to boost eye health during this season is by making a simple neem soak at home. To make this easy neem water soak washed neem leaves in water and wash the eyes with this water. The antibacterial properties of this homemade eyewash will help in healing the eyes.

It is one of the basic home remedies that can be used for eye infections. It's very much similar Saline, which is a chemical solution and is very much similar to teardrops and has antimicrobial properties which naturally helps clean the eyes. All you need to do is boil half a litre of water and cool it. Then, mix 1 tsp salt in it. Now, take a small cotton swab and dip in this salt water and clean the eyes with this until the irritation goes off. Discard the cotton swab and you will see the changes.