Who among us did not even once have sore eyes? We all know how painful it felt and dreaded the days when we undergone having this. But what is this disease and how do we prevent and treat it?
Sore eyes is also known as conjunctivitis, sore eyes is manifested in redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes in the inner part of the eyelids. Incubation period or time from exposure to onset of symptoms is usually 5-12 days.
What is the Cause/Causes?
- Virus infection (Adenoviruses)
- Chemicals
- Trauma
How is it transmitted?
Direct contact with hands contaminated with eye secretions of an infected person;
Touching eyes with hands getting in contact with surfaces, instruments, eye solutions, or make-ups contaminated with the virus from an infected person;
And entry of the virus through the eyes by swimming in poorly chlorinated pools
Its Signs and Symptoms
- Begins in one eye and may later affect both eyes
- Watery to pus-like discharge
- Redness of the eye with pain and/or itching sensation
- Eyelids that are stuck together upon waking up
In severe cases, pain of the eyes upon exposure to sunlight and foreign-body solution
How to Treat?
- There is no specific treatment during the acute phase (1-2 weeks).
- If eye discharge is profuse and puslike or patient develops blurring of vision or severe pain, consult with an opthalmologist.
To Prevent
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Minimize hand-to-eye contact.
- Use only own towels, eye drops, make-ups and applicators, sunglasses, or eye glasses.
- Wear eye/sunglasses on windy days to protect one’s eyes from foreign particles.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Disinfect with dilute bleach solution surfaces, doorknobs, counters, elevator buttons, and handrails.
- Wash clothes, towels, pillow cases, and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person.
Now, the question is: Are your eyes become quite itchy after reading this article? =)
