2 Eye-Health Home Remedies That Can Hurt More Than They Help
There is no shortage of home remedies posted on the internet claiming to protect your health or help you get rid of an illness. Many of these remedies are targeted at eye health. Be aware that many of these remedies simply will not work, and some are even very harmful for your eyes. Here are two eye-health home remedies that can be dangerous, and why.
1. Eye Washing to Relieve Allergy Symptoms
Eye-washing does have its time and place, and is typically needed after a person's eyes are accidentally exposed to hazardous chemicals. However, there are "eye wash cups" sold for home use that are becoming trendy to use daily to relieve allergy symptoms. Some cups are sold along with eye-rinsing solution, while others are sold alone, but with with instructions to prepare a salt water solution at home to use with them as an eye rinse. While saline solution is not harmful for your eyes as long as you are not allergic to any preservatives in them, many people opt to save money and use a mixture of salt and tap water as a rinse.
Tap water contains an amoeba that can cause serious eye infections, and your local water also has various amounts of contaminants that could also pose an eye-health hazard. Also, improper storage and handling of the eye cup (such as storing it openly in the bathroom near a toilet or not cleaning it properly after every use) can introduce e.coli and other bacteria into your eyes.
When used occasionally, as directed, an eye wash kit can come in handy to relieve general eye irritation. However, never use a home-made salt water solution with it. Also, rinse the cup thoroughly after using it with the solution and never tap water, and then store it in a vented case in a sanitary place, such as in a linen closet.
If you suffer from eye allergies and find that you need to use a device like this daily to relieve your symptoms, then you need to alert your eye doctor. He or she can likely prescribe you convenient eye drops that can end your suffering and are much easier to use, without the risk of getting contaminants and harmful bacteria into your eyes.
2. Using Salt Water as a Conjunctivitis Treatment
There are also home remedies for treatment of eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, available online. One remedy involves mixing a salt-water solution similar to the one used for eye washing, and using it to flush the bacteria out of your eyes with a syringe. If you have an eye infection and try this remedy, not only will you subject your eyes to the hazards that come along with tap water, but the remedy simply won't work, as you need much more than a salt water rinse to cure a serious eye infection.
Anytime you suspect that you have an eye infection, visit your eye doctor for proper treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops. Trying to treat an infection at home with any home remedy will only delay proper treatment and allow your infection to worsen. This can put your eye health and even vision in jeopardy.
Your eyes are two of your most important organs, so never put their health in the hands of random home remedies posted on the internet. Any time you suspect an eye infection or are experiencing eye allergy symptoms, visit your ophthalmologist for proper, and safe, treatment.
To learn more, contact a group like Arizona Eye Specialists.