Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines your eyelids and eyeballs. This monsoon has caused a rapid increase in cases of conjunctivitis in different parts of the country. According to doctors, the main cause of pink eye is adenovirus, which seems to affect children more than adults.
What is pink eye infection?
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens or irritants. They are highly contagious, especially if caused by a virus or bacteria, and can be spread through direct or indirect contact with infected eye secretions. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antiviral or antibiotic eye drops, cold compresses, and avoiding contact with others until the infection clears.
Types of conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?
The symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, can vary depending on the underlying cause, be it viral, bacterial, allergic, or irritant related. Here are the general symptoms associated with conjunctivitis:
- The white of the eye (sclera) may appear pink or red due to conjunctivitis.
- The eyes may feel itchy and uncomfortable, leading to the urge to rub or scratch.
- More watery or watery eyes may occur as a response to inflammation.
- There may be discharge from the eye(s), which may be clear and watery (viral or allergic conjunctivitis) or thicker and yellow or greenish (bacterial conjunctivitis).
- The eyelids may become swollen due to inflammation.
- Bright lights may cause discomfort or pain in the affected eye.
- People with conjunctivitis may feel like something hard or foreign is in their eye.
- In some cases, conjunctivitis can cause mild blurred vision.
- When you wake up in the morning, your eyelashes can stick together due to dry discharge.
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What are the preventive measures for pink eye infection?
Preventing pink eye (conjunctivitis) can help reduce your risk of getting or spreading it. Whether conjunctivitis is viral, bacterial, or allergic, these precautions can be effective:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your face, including your eyes. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Do not share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye makeup, or other personal items that may come into contact with your eyes.
- If you wear contact lenses, follow the prescribed contact lens cleaning and disinfection procedure. Make sure your hands are clean before handling contact lenses and avoid wearing them while sleeping, unless otherwise recommended by your eye care professional.
- Protect your eyes from irritants such as smoke, dust and other airborne particles. If necessary, use goggles or goggles in dusty or hazardous environments.
- If you already have allergies, take appropriate measures to control them, such as using an antihistamine or avoiding the allergens that trigger your symptoms.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses that can cause conjunctivitis.
- If you are in a crowded environment or public space, be aware of maintaining distance from people with obvious respiratory infection symptoms.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, mouth, and nose as it can transfer germs from your hands to these sensitive areas.
- Throw away eye drops, ointments, or other eye products after the expiration date, and avoid using products that appear contaminated or have been used when you have conjunctivitis.
- If a vaccine for infectious conjunctivitis (such as adenoviral conjunctivitis) is available, consider getting it if you are at higher risk or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Why is pinkeye on the rise during this time?
Monsoon brings higher humidity, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and viruses to grow and spread, which can cause infectious conjunctivitis. Wet weather can also cause irritants such as dust, pollution, and smoke to stay in the air longer, increasing the chance of these substances coming into contact with the eyes and causing irritant conjunctivitis.
If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, it is essential to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A healthcare professional can determine the cause of conjunctivitis and recommend the appropriate course of action, whether it is eye drops, ointments, or other treatments. Also, if you have conjunctivitis, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and not sharing towels, pillowcases, or other personal items to avoid spreading the infection to others.
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Source: pagasa.edu.vn