For those who are breastfeeding or have access to fresh breastmilk, conjunctivitis can be treated with this age old remedy of squirting breastmilk into the eyes over the course of a day. Most cases of conjunctivitis will have disappeared before the day is over, and if not, then within the next 48 hours given that breastmilk is re-applied often. 

For others, eyebright tea does wonders for conjunctivitis, and can reduce eye inflammation as well as create a protective covering over the surface of the eye. It can be used as an eye wash or a moistened (cooled!) teabag laid over the eye.

Homeopathically, there are several remedies that can be matched to the symptoms.

Aconite 30c Use if symptoms come on after injury or exposure to cold. The eye will be red and inflamed, feel hot and dry and seem like grit has gotten into it.

Apis is used when the eyeball seems burning, appears red and swollen, and filled with fluid, but feels better with a cold compress.

Argentum nit. 6c Use when there is a fair amount of discharge and the membranes surrounding the eyes are red and swollen.

Argentum nit. 30c (twice a day) or 12x (four times a day).

Arsenicum album 30c (twice a day) or 12x (four times a day). This remedy is used if there is a burning sensation with a clear discharge, or if the eyes are sensitive to light with swelling around the eyes.

Belladonna 30c (twice a day) or 12x (four times a day). Use this remedy if the problem has come on rapidly, with red, swollen, burning eyelids, and the eyes are dry and very sensitive to light. There will not be much discharge.

Euphrasia 6c Use if there is little or no discharge, and is good for burning, itchy eyes. You may also make a soothing eyewash by using 10 drops of Euphrasia tincture and 1 teaspoon of salt in one-half pint of warm water. Use as an eyewash every four hours, but not more than four times a day.

Hep.sulf. is useful to draw out infection. Take on waking on alternate days with Pulsatilla.

Optique remedy by Boiron. Take as directed.

Pulsatilla 30c (twice a day) or 12x (four times a day). This remedy is used when there is a thick, yellow-green discharge from the eyes and the eye is swollen and sore.

Sulphur 30c (twice a day) or 12x (four times a day). Use this remedy when there are burning pains and redness around the eyes. There is usually a yellowish discharge.

General tips for treating conjunctivitis include keeping hands clean, clipping fingernails on babies & children, always using clean washcloths to separately clean each eye and taking Vitamin C in the form of sodium ascorbate to support the immune system. Warm compresses can be used to "un-sticky" eyes that have gooped up overnight.