Eye Flu Prevention

  What is Eye Flu? 

Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis or pink eye, is a common eye condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by various factors including viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Eyeflu is highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person.

                                   

Causes Of Eye Flu...

1. Viral Conjunctivitis: 

The most common cause of eye flu is a viral infection, often associated with adenoviruses, which are the same viruses responsible for the common cold. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.

                                                                                                  

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

Bacterial infections caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae can also lead to eye flu. Bacterial conjunctivitis spreads similarly to the viral form, primarily through direct contact.

                                                  

                                         

                                                      

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis: 

Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain chemicals, can trigger allergic conjunctivitis. This type of eye flu is not contagious and affects individuals who have a history of allergies.

                                                   

4. Irritant Conjunctivitis: 

Exposure to irritants like smoke, chemicals, fumes, or foreign objects can cause irritant conjunctivitis. It is not infectious but can lead to red, watery, and uncomfortable eyes.

Symptoms Of Eye Flu:

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Well, some common symptoms are:

1. Redness of eyes: 

The affected eye gets reddish or turns pink in color due to inflammation of the conjunctiva.

                                                

2. Watery Discharge:

 

There may be a watery discharge or mucous-like stickiness occurring in the eyes. Especially in viral and bacterial conjunctivitis.

3. Itchy Eyes:

  Itching of the eyes is more commonly associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

4. Burning/Gritty Sensation:  

 

  The eyes may feel irritated or they feel as if there is sand or grit in them.

5. Swelling Of the Eyes:

 The eyelids may become swollen and this occurs especially in allergic and viral conjunctivitis.

                               

       

6. Sensitivity To Light:

  This problem can happen to some individuals also known as photophobia, making eyes sensitive to light.

7. Blurred Vision: 

  

 This points to the temporary state of affected vision, especially if the cornea is affected.

8. Crusty Eyelids: 

This happens particularly in bacterial conjunctivitis when a sticky and crusty layer is formed near the layer of the eyes.

                               

Treatment Of Conjunctivitis/ Eye Flu:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis: 

*In the case of viral conjunctivitis, several precautions can be taken like, taking care of personal hygiene, frequent handwashing and not sharing your personal things with others preventing the spread of infection to others, including yourself.

* Avoid touching your face area otherwise, the infection can spread to the other eye and to the individuals living with you.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis:

*This mainly spreads due to the bacteria evolving out of environmental pollution. This could also occur at the time of natural disasters such as floods or epidemics. The bacteria can easily be spread from one person to another because of the lack of hygiene in such conditions.

*Antibiotics can also help you to get relief as prescribed by the physician. 

* Antibiotics should be taken at regular intervals.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis:

 This conjunctivitis is caused by environmental factors such as weather patterns and changes like shedding of pollen grains, and food allergens. So avoiding contact with allergens is the primary approach.

* Practicing cold compress and avoiding contact lenses is the key.

4. Irritant Conjunctivitis: 

Antibiotic eye drops can help in reducing the severity of the infection of the eyes.

* This conjunctivitis can easily be cured if the main irritant is removed.