red eye infection - #19270

For the past few days, I have been experiencing redness in one of my eyes, along with mild irritation and discomfort. At first, I thought it was just due to lack of sleep, but the redness has not gone away, and my eye feels dry and itchy. I started researching and found out that it could be a red eye infection, which might be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergies. Since I prefer natural treatments, I want to know if Ayurveda offers any remedies for treating a red eye infection without relying on antibiotics or steroid eye drops. From what I read, red eye infection can be caused by conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye syndrome, or irritation from environmental factors like dust or pollution. Does Ayurveda classify eye infections based on different causes, and does it have specific treatments for bacterial versus viral infections? One of my biggest concerns is whether my red eye infection is contagious. I’ve read that viral conjunctivitis spreads easily, but how can I tell whether my eye infection is bacterial or just due to irritation? Are there any Ayurvedic diagnostic methods to determine the cause? I also read that Ayurveda considers eye health to be closely connected to liver function and Pitta imbalance. Could my red eye infection be a sign of excess heat in the body? If so, what cooling Ayurvedic remedies or herbal eye washes can help reduce inflammation and restore eye health? Another concern is that my eyes feel dry and strained, especially after long hours of screen time. Could this be making my red eye infection worse? Does Ayurveda offer any treatments for digital eye strain and overall eye care to prevent future infections? Since I want to avoid long-term use of medicated eye drops, I am looking for holistic approaches to treating red eye infection naturally. What are the best Ayurvedic herbs, eye washes, or dietary changes that can help clear up eye infections and improve eye health?