Understanding Conjunctivitis

It seems that Nepal has been experiencing an outbreak of one disease or another every year since the start of the 2020s. In 2020 and 2021, it was COVID-19, last year it was dengue and this year, it is dengue and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis, in particular, came out of nowhere and has spread all over the country in a manner no one ever expected. Kids and adults, no one has been spared by this eye infection that, despite its prevalence, not many of us seem to clearly understand.

Conjunctivitis gets its name for causing inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye called conjunctiva. 

This makes the eyes look red, which is why people also refer to this disease as red eye or pink eye (or Aankha Paknu in Nepali). This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, allergies and irritants, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness, watering of the eyes and the formation of crusts around the eyelids. 

The symptoms of conjunctivitis vary based on the underlying cause. Nevertheless, reddening of the white part of the eyes and the discharge of water and mucus are the two main identifying traits of this disease. The eyes redden because the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva swell up and widen and they get wet because the cells that produce mucus and glands that make tears become overactive.

Other symptoms include burning of the eyes, photophobia or sensitivity to light (which is why people with conjunctivitis are asked to wear black sunglasses), swollen eyelids, gritty feeling as if there is sand in the eye, disturbed vision or an enlarged lymph node in front of the ear. The infection tends to start in one eye but spreads to both eyes within a matter of hours.

Conjunctivitis does not seem like a major ailment but it is not something to take lightly. Those who fear they have contracted the disease should seek medical attention immediately.

There are three types of conjunctivitis based on the things that cause it – infective conjunctivitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection, allergic conjunctivitis caused by an allergic reaction to substances like dust and irritant conjunctivitis caused by the eye coming into contact with things that irritate it like soap or shampoo.

Of these, infective conjunctivitis, as the name indicates, is infectious. It is caused by bacteria that cause lung and ear infections or adenoviruses that give us sore throat or fever and spreads through direct contact with infected fluids (for instance, tears) such as through the sharing of contaminated items like pillows and towels. This type of conjunctivitis is more common in children and old people, possibly because kids come into contact with infections at school and senior citizens have a weaker immune system.

In severe cases, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to clear the eye infection. But usually, medical treatment is not necessary for conjunctivitis because the symptoms often disappear in a couple of weeks, according to the United Kingdom’s national health information service. They do, however, require self-care. Those with conjunctivitis may wish to lubricate their eyes with eye drops that help ease soreness and stickiness. But it is a good idea to contact an optician and follow their instructions when choosing and using eye drops. 

Infected people should also gently clean away the sticky liquid produced by the eyes using cotton or wool soaked in water. They must also regularly wash their hands to stop the infection from spreading to others.

Those who wear contact lenses should not wear them until their eyes have healed and never re-use old lenses after the infection has gone. Old lenses may potentially re-infect the eyes so it is best to use new lenses, solutions and cases after a conjunctivitis infection.

Also, people should avoid rubbing their eyes, no matter how much they itch. Rubbing the eyes only makes the symptoms worse.

Allergic conjunctivitis can usually be treated with anti-allergy medications and by avoiding whatever triggered the allergy. Irritant conjunctivitis will clear up on its own after whatever caused the irritation is removed.

Conjunctivitis is spreading rapidly in Nepal. So, we need to be extra cautious. Keeping our hands clean, and washing them frequently, especially before and after touching our eyes is the best thing we can do to avoid getting infected and infecting those around us. We should also regularly clean our glasses and contact lenses and not share personal items like handkerchiefs with others. As with many other diseases, hygiene and physical distancing are to be emphasised here too.