HOW TO PREVENT EYE FLU?

BY DR. AK RANA

Eye flu (or conjunctivitis) causes redness of eyes, irritation, itching, watery eyes and secretions and sometimes also the pain in eyes.

It is highly contagious and spread easily from person to person. It is common to see if one person in a family has eye flu then everyone gets it, likewise if one student in class gets eye flu, there are chances of him/her to spread it to classmates.

Every monsoon, we see a rising trend in these cases. Hence, we need to understand about how eye flu occurs, what causes it, what happens if left untreated, how to treat it and most importantly – how to prevent eye flu.

HOW EYE FLU OCCURS?

Conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye. Its infection is called conjunctivitis (or eye flu).

It is caused by –

Bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus pneumoniae

Virus – adenovirus

Allergens – pollens

Chemicals – like chlorine in swimming pools

Viral conjunctivitis

It may be associated with respiratory infections.

Red, watery, itchy eyes are the usual symptoms.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Red, itchy eyes are seen along with thick, yellowish- green discharge at the corner of eyes.

In monsoon season due to high humidity and low sun exposure – various bacteria and virus rises in the environment.

Besides this low immunity may make you vulnerable to infection.

This is the primary infection.

As eye flu is very contagious and spread easily, we might get secondary infection by getting in contact with infected person. Secretions from eyes by the patient is contagious. If you use the same handkerchief, blanket, towel or any other item or get your hands contaminated by it, which without washing you use to rub your eyes; it can lead to spread of eye flu.

SYMPTOMS OF EYE FLU

Symptoms varies depending on type of eye flu.

Pink or red eye

Itchiness in eyes

Watery discharge or excessive tearing

Thick yellow- greenish discharge forming crusts

Due to discharge, eyelids become sticky and it becomes difficult to open eyes when we wake up next day.

Blurred vision due to excessive discharge.

Gritty or sandy sensation in eyes

Photophobia – Eyes become sensitive to excessive light (that’s why sun glasses are advised)

TREATMENT

Viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks. Lubricating eye drops are given for relieving the symptoms.

Bacterial conjunctivitis requires antibiotic eye drops – usually fluoroquinolones that your doctor will prescribe you.

Allergic conjunctivitis – anti- histamines are prescribed to reduce allergic reactions. Avoiding allergens by using glasses etc comes next.

Warm compresses can also help in soothing the symptoms.

Washing eyes frequently to clear out the discharge.

To wash the handkerchief nicely after a few hours of use, and using the new ones.

Avoid contact or sharing articles with your close ones, and also advise them to wash hands frequently with soap. They should also wash their eyes regularly.

Eat healthy and nutritive diet to build up the immunity.

Don’t give much strain to eyes, avoid watching mobile or laptop screen.

Take plenty of rest.

HOW TO PREVENT EYE FLU

MAINTAINING GOOD HYGIENE is the first thing that you need to do to prevent eye flu.

Regularly washing hands with soap and water.

Avoid touching eyes and face and even if need to then do it after washing hands properly.

Hand sanitizer can be used if at work or travelling, where washing facility is not available all the time.

Personal items like towel, handkerchief, eye drops, eye makeup articles (eyeliner, kajal, mascara etc), sun glasses, contact lens should not be shared.

To maintain a distance with the person who has been diagnosed with eye flu, in order to prevent spread.

You should not wear contact lens when eyes are irritated. At other times, regular cleaning and disinfection of lenses is required.

Boosting immunity with proper diet, good sleep, regular yoga and exercises.

Eyes need to be washed when you come from outside (especially when cases are on rise).

Although regular washing of eyes is recommended but not too much also. Our tears have lysozymes that keeps our eyes immune.

Said so, now you will understand all those reasons that causes dry eyes can also lower your eye immunity like –

Watching TV, mobile phones or working on computer or reading books with no break.

In all these situations, our time to blink eyes decreases and as such leading to dryness.

In rainy season, its necessary that you change your bedsheets and cover in 4-5 days.

It is because in this season various microbes, bacteria, virus easily spread.

Also focus on cleanliness of the house and keep everything dry and moisture free as far as possible.

School going children are more easily affected, so its necessary for you to tell them to wash their hands, legs, change clothes and wash their eyes also after coming from school or playing outside.

Along with it, teach them to not touch or rub their eyes as contaminated fingers can cause eye flu.

WHAT HAPPENS IF EYE FLU IS LEFT UNTREATED?

Usually, mild conjunctivitis resolves on its own in 1-2 weeks.

Especially viral as you don’t need to take any antibiotics.

In case of bacterial conjunctivitis, you will be required to take antibiotic eye drops as guided by your doctor.

Generally, we can get irritation in eyes for various other reasons including dust, pollution, allergen etc, so it is advised to wash your eyes nicely after coming home from outside.

In case this mild irritation doesn’t go away in 1-2 days, then it is necessary for you to consult expert.

If left untreated, eye flu can even damage our eyes and bacterial infection might spread in the body causing conditions like sepsis. That’s why if you get eye flu, its necessary to visit your doctor and take the prescription and other measures nicely

SHARE YOUR REVIEWS AND STORIES OR ASK QUESTONS IN THE COMMENT SECTION, OR

CONTACT OUR TEAM OF HALLEYS CLINIC halleysclinic@gmail.com

also read HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE DIABETES?

also read HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE- A SILENT KILLER