How to guard against acute conjunctivitis
Keeping a lid on the common eye infection
Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", is one of the most common eye infections, particularly among schoolchildren. Because of its highly contagious nature everyone is susceptible - especially those in crowded places such as kindergartens, indoor amusement parks and swimming pools.
With the new school year under way, we need to pay extra attention to our children's personal hygiene, particularly those of kindergarten age. Parents have to be extra cautious if symptoms surface and keep their children at home to avoid spreading it to others.
Pink eye is spread easily through infected droplets, especially when victims come into contact with public property covered by infected droplets such as towels and shared items such as 3D glasses. Dirty contact lenses are another common source of infection.
The problems start when the conjunctiva - the thin, normally transparent membrane that covers the sclera and lines the eyelids - becomes infected.
The blood vessels within it then become irritated and swell leaving the eye with a red or pink appearance. The onset of a reddish-pink eye is a typical sign of conjunctivitis.
Other symptoms include a heightened sensitivity to light, increased discharge levels, itchy eyes, pain in the eyes, an increase in tears and swollen eyelids.
In most cases, one eye will become infected before the infection spreads to the other.
As there are different types of conjunctivitis - and various ways to treat it - it's best to visit an eye doctor to obtain a correct diagnosis.
The classifications include viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis. All are highly contagious and spread easily from person to person. To prevent infection avoid direct contact with an infected person's eyes and their eye discharge.
Parents must be extra cautious if symptoms appear, and keep children at home
Viral conjunctivitis, the most common type, has an incubation period of 10 to 12 days. Symptoms include red and itchy eyes and increased amount of tears. Patients recover quickly.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is more serious, with a greater discharge of pus and more mattering of the margins of the eyelid.
Another warning sign is follicles or papillae on the inflamed conjunctiva, while it is also associated with a greater difficulty prying the eyelids open after sleep.
Eyelid oedema - an excess of watery fluid - is often present in bacterial conjunctivitis.
With allergic conjunctivitis, patients will experience itchiness, and feel like they have foreign objects in the eyes. It is a common affliction and, at some stage affects around one person in five.
Probably the most common form of allergic conjunctivitis occurs when an allergic reaction results in eye inflammation after exposure to substances such as pollen or mould spores. Symptoms of red, itchy and watery eyes generally mean you have contracted the allergic form.
Infected patients will have itchy eyes and blurred vision, but should not use tap water to flush the eyes in an attempt to ease the symptoms.
Tap water, full of bacteria, will only worsen the condition. The correct way to treat it is to give the eyes plenty of rest. Avoid going to public places and do not rub your eyes.
Follow your doctor's orders to use prescribed eye drops, ointment and medication. Symptoms should subside after one to two weeks.
Acute conjunctivitis can't be prevented with medication, so pay extra care to your personal hygiene.
Dr Jeff Hui is a Hong Kong-based ophthalmologist
