Eye infections and diseases can be very painful and uncomfortable. If left untreated, they can be dangerous and harmful. Eye infections can occur due to several reasons.

Some of the eye infections and diseases are:

• Dry eyes, caused due to improper lubrication of the eye by the tear ducts
• Pink eye, also referred to as conjunctivitis
• Styes
• Blepharitis, an inflamed and crusty eyelid condition
• Keratitis, a corneal infection

These eye infections and diseases can fortunately be treated by some efficient home remedies. These home remedies soothe and ease the symptoms. However, it is important to understand that they do not cure or treat them. So, it is ideal to check with the doctor to avoid the severity and seriousness of these eye infections and diseases.

Below are six home remedies for different eye infections and diseases:

1. Saltwater
Saline is very effective in soothing eye infections and is identical to teardrops. It is an efficient way of cleansing the eyes naturally as it possesses antimicrobial properties. Saltwater or sterile saline solution is effective. Sterile saline solution can be purchased from the nearest medical store.

2. Tea bags
Cooled tea bags can be placed on closed eyes for relaxation. Since tea possesses soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it relaxes the eyes during an eye infection. Chamomile, green tea, and black tea minimize swelling of the eyes.

3. Warm/cold compress
An irritated, sore, and infected eye can be aided with a warm compress. It helps treat eyes with blepharitis, styes, and dry eye. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends soothing pink eye symptoms with a warm compress. A warm compress can be made by soaking a clean cloth in warm water. Do not use very hot water as the skin of the eye is very sensitive and gets affected easily. A cold compress can ease the swelling and discomfort caused by an eye condition. A cold compress is made by freezing a wet cloth for a couple of minutes in a clean plastic bag or by soaking the cloth in cold water.

4. Breast milk
This is particularly used for infants with neonatal conjunctivitis. It is administered two to three times every day. Colostrum, within the breast milk, prevents and manages eye infections efficiently.

5. Turmeric
Add turmeric to a cup of water and bring it to boil. Cool the solution and soak a clean cloth in it. This can be used as a warm compress. Curcumin, within turmeric, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that ease eye infections.

6. Discard makeup and wash linens
It is best not to share your mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. This way, eye infections can be avoided. Discard the makeup products and accessories like brushes, cotton, etc.which you used while having an eye infection. Wash linens in hot water daily when you have an eye infection.

Eye infections and diseases can be prevented beforehand by following some tips. Wash your hands often, do not touch the eyes directly, clean your contacts and store them appropriately, do not share makeup products, and keep your eyes clean at all times.