standard-title Red Eye (Acute Conjunctivitis)

Red Eye (Acute Conjunctivitis)

Red Eye

(Acute Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines inside the eyelid and eye surface.
“Red eye” is the most common type of acute infectious conjunctivitis. It is caused by a variety of bacterial or viral infections; or drug sensitivity or irritation caused by chemicals, such as contact lens cleaning solution, chlorine, pesticides and air pollutants.

 

Routes of transmission

1. Contagion by contact: Direct contact with patients’ eye secretion, hands or items touched by patients such as handkerchiefs, towels, washing basins, eye drugs, utensils and toys.
2. Swimming in contaminated water.

 

Symptoms

1. Watery eyes, itchy eyes, pain, foreign body sensation, conjunctival hyperemia and/or increase of eye secretion.
2. Photophobia (intolerance to light), significant swelling of the eyelids, conjunctival swelling and/or severe bleeding.
3. Patients usually recover within a few days. However, depending on the severity of the disease, it can take a few days to 3 to 4 weeks to recover.

 

Treatment

1. Seek medical advice as soon as possible. Take medication according to doctor’s instructions and have sufficient rest.
2. Avoid glare that irritates the eye.
3. To prevent spread of the disease:

‧ Patients must not share utensils for face washing such as towels with families. The patient’s personal items must be stored separately.
‧ Change and clean sheets and pillow frequently.
‧ Paper towels having been used to wipe eye secretion should be flushed away in the toilet or dumped in the garbage bin.
4. Maintain good personal hygiene. Keep the hands clean.
5. Do not rub eyes.
6. Do not use someone else’s eye drops or cosmetics.
7. Do not use public towels to wipe eyes.
8. Wash hands before applying eye drops.
9. Do not use public facilities such as public swimming pools for the time being to avoid infecting others.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for reference only. They are not, and should not be used as, diagnoses, medical treatments or recommendations for any drug. For enquiries, please contact Champion Eye Centre.