Sodium Bicarbonate to Treat Eye Infections

Eye infections may occur on the front surface of your eye or the tissues inside your eye. Pink eye is one of the most common eye infections. This infection involves the thin tissue that covers the white of your eye. Your doctor may have you begin eye drops or other treatments for an infection. Some people prefer to use alternative treatments such as sodium bicarbonate for treatment, but this compound will not provide a remedy for an infection.

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is an antacid and may offer relief for medical conditions such as indigestion. In some cases, your doctor may give you sodium bicarbonate supplements if you have low levels of sodium or bicarbonates in your system. Other uses include sodium bicarbonate as a component in cleansers and personal hygiene products, such as toothpaste. The mechanisms of this compound do not indicate that sodium bicarbonate could provide proper treatment for an infection.

Side effects of sodium bicarbonate include a rash, difficulty breathing, irritability, muscle spasms, pain or swelling of you face, tongue or lips. In addition to other forms, such as tablets, sodium bicarbonate also comes in granulated form. Direct contact with your eyes and the granules of sodium bicarbonate could result in eye irritation, redness and general irritation. These eye effects may intensify the discomfort from your eye infection.

An eye infection may not require treatment, such as the case of viral conjunctivitis. Bacterial or fungal eye infections may require a medication for the infection to resolve. If you have symptoms that indicate an eye infection, talk with your doctor. They can determine the cause of your infection and help you determine if you require a specific treatment.

If you prefer alternative treatments or home remedies for pink eye, your doctor can guide you toward a treatment option that will work for your eye infection. To help ease your symptoms, your doctor may recommend that close your eyes and hold a damp, warm cloth against your eyelids.

You should have an eye examination if you have any symptoms of an eye infection. During this visit, you should talk with your doctor if you think you may want to use sodium bicarbonate or any other alternative or home remedies for an eye infection. The wrong treatment could worsen your symptoms or result in other eye conditions.