Do you have an eye infection? If so, should you consider an apple cider vinegar eyewash? In this article, we discuss just that.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is largely apple juice, but the sugar in the juice is converted to alcohol when yeast is added. This process, known as fermentation, converts alcohol to acetic acid by bacteria. This is what gives vinegar its sour flavor and pungent odor.

It has a long history of use as a home treatment for ailments such as sore throats and varicose veins. There isn’t a lot of science to back up these claims.

However, in recent years, some experts have focused their attention on apple cider vinegar and its potential health advantages.

Pink Eye (conjunctivitis)

One of the touted uses for apple cider vinegar is eyewash. This is proposed as a treatment for pink eye. So let’s look at this condition.

Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis. It is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the translucent membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids and covers the white area of your eyeball. The conjunctiva is responsible for keeping your eyes moist.

Viral or bacterial infections are the leading causes of this eye condition. Allergic reactions also cause pink eye.

This eye infection usually manifests as symptoms in one or both eyes, such as:

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Discharge
• Tearing

Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar Eyewash for Pink Eye?

The big question — should you use it to treat an eye infection?

Many websites recommend using apple cider vinegar to treat pink eye. They recommend applying a vinegar/water solution to the outside of the eyelid. They even suggest pouring a few drops of vinegar/water solution straight into the eye.

There is no clinical evidence to support these claims.

If, however, you’re bent on using apple cider vinegar, you should first get the opinion of your doctor. Keep in mind that you should be very careful. Vinegar can cause redness, irritation, and injuries to your cornea.

Other Remedies

There are some home remedies for pink eye on the web (e.g. coconut oil, guava leaves, curry leaves). But there is no scientific proof behind them. Do not try them without consulting your doctor.

While you can’t cure pink eye at home, there are ways to reduce its symptoms.

• Damp compresses: Use a different wet compress for each affected eye. Repeat multiple times a day using a new, clean washcloth each time.
• Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (these work as artificial tears and prevent your eyes from drying out).
• Over-the-counter painkillers.

How to Prevent Pink Eye

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. And the best way to prevent pink eye is through good hygiene.

In case of an infection, you can prevent the spread of pink eye with a few precautions:

• Frequently wash your hands
• Keep your hands away from your eyes.
• Every day, replace your face towel, washcloth, and pillowcases with clean ones.
• Stop wearing contact lenses. Replace them, or at least disinfect them. The same goes for contact lens accessories.
• Discard your makeup.
• Don’t share any products related to your eyes or face.

Final Thoughts

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet. Many websites recommend using apple cider vinegar as an anti-infection eyewash, but research doesn’t back this claim up.

Always do your own reading. Check out sources. And most importantly — talk to your doctor before every health-related decision.

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