Red Eye Epidemic - An Eye For An Eye Can Make the Whole World 'Cry'

What is all this fuss about the Red Eye..?? You must be getting this question! What is Red Eye, Why does it occur and how to go about it? All this and everything... read on to know!

"It doesn't spread by having a look at it !" This is one of the major myths I regularly see in my practise. The red eye somehow creates an unpleasant sensation for the viewers, and that may be the reason to think so! And may be as it spreads really fast !!!

So what is the science behind Red Eye? It's pretty much simple.

It's very commonly bacterial in origin with most common bacteria being Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

As these are infections of the superficial layers of the eye called Conjunctiva, which forms the pink layer beneath the eyelids and a transparent layer over the 'white' part of the eye called sclera, there is hardly any evidence of systemic complains like fever, weakness, loss of appetite.

The major symptoms of the illness includes.

• Blurring of Vision

• Itching and irritation over eye

• Increased secretion from eye

• Redness of eye

• Photosensitivity to bright light

Coming to the myth we discussed recently .. why it spreads so fast?! The answer is because the bacteria or viral strains have a very high affinity towards the conjunctival tissue and hence it easily colonizes them and breaks out inflammation. The most common mode of transmission is through hands.

Patient of conjunctivitis touching their eyes ==> Hands harbours the virus/bacteria ==> Patient touches various things around them and spreads the virus/bacteria ==> You touch those things ==> Your hands have those Virus/bacteria now ==> You touch your eyes.

And... Booommmm ==> Red Eye!

Hand hygiene was not only important for COVID it is important for Conjunctivitis too!!

So now most important thing. How do you treat this Red Eye?!

A short coarse of topical antibiotics is all that is needed. Avoid rubbing your hands over your eyes. Have a dark goggles while you move out! Not because someone can save themselves from falling for your RED EYES!! But because it protects you from photosensitivity to bright light! Also.. even if you don't take any medications or drops, it will still be fine within 5-7 days! But make sure if you have following symptoms make a visit to your Eye Specialist!

• Non resolving disease for 5 days

• Difficulty in opening eyes

• Persistent pain and redness

• Fever, Weakness, Loss of appetite.

Keep your hands safe to keep your eyes 'White'.!!!

What is your experience with the Red Eye thing?! Do share with us!!