Eye infections are a common occurrence. They occur when harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms enter the eyes and infect the cornea, eyelids, or any other part of the eye. The common signs of an eye infection are pain, redness, itching, burning, irritation, swelling, continuous watering, and unusual discharge. It is recommended to consult an eye specialist who can administer the right medication and advice you on the recovery procedure.

Once the cause of the infection has been determined, there are some effective home remedies to help treat the condition, provided you consult your doctor before going ahead with one. You can follow these remedies along with the recommended medicines to speed up recovery.

• Essential oils
  Essential oils help to cure many eye infections. The antimicrobial properties of these oils effectively fight the microorganisms responsible for an eye infection. You can use any of the essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, tea tree or thyme.
  Procedure:  Add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil to a large bowl filled with hot water. Cover your head with a towel before bending over with your head right over the bowl. Stay like this for some time so that the skin can absorb the steam filled with essential oils. This process should be repeated twice a day for maximum effect.

• Used green tea bags
  Used green tea bags are an excellent home remedy to cure ocular inflammation. Placing cold tea bags on your eyes provides relief to the tired eyes.
  Procedure:  Refrigerate used green tea bags and keep them on your eyes for fifteen to twenty minutes until you cannot feel the cooling effect anymore. Repeat the procedure two to three times a day for good results.

• Honey
  Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties can effectively cure many types of eye infections.
  Procedure:  Take half a cup of boiled and cooled water. Add two and a half spoons of honey to it and stir well. Carefully place one or two drops of this mixture in the infected eye. Use these eye drops three or four times a day for faster results.

• Turmeric
  Curcumin is the active component in turmeric that contains anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Turmeric is effective in treating eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
  Procedure:  Add one teaspoon turmeric to a cup of water, stir well and boil the solution. Turn off the stove and allow the solution to cool. Wet a clean washcloth in the turmeric water and place it on the eye as a warm compress. This remedy can be carried out two times in a day.

• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar has anti-microbial properties and is effective against eye infections caused by microbes.
  Procedure:  Take a cup of warm water and add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Stir well and soak a cotton ball in it. Remove the excess water from the cotton ball and place it on closed eyes. Leave the cotton ball for fifteen minutes and then rinse your eyes. Repeat this remedy twice a day for good results.

• Lemon
  Lemon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in curing eye infections caused by allergies.
  Procedure:  Prepare lemon juice by squeezing the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water. Stir well and drink the juice once a day at least.

Follow these home remedies regularly along with prescribed medication in case of an eye infection and you will see an improvement in the condition within no time.