A surge in the cases of conjunctivitis commonly known as ‘red eye’ across Kilifi and Mombasa counties has prompted health officials to issue a cautionary alert to residents of the Coastal regions.

With an influx of individuals seeking treatment for eye infections in the region, concerns rose about a potential transmission from Tanzania, where health authorities have recently warned about the red eye outbreak.

Therefore, understanding the nature of the infection, its origin, symptoms, and prevention methods is crucial in addressing the escalating situation.

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as ‘red eye’ or ‘pink eye,’ manifests as an eye condition resulting from either an infection or allergies.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK notes that conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes and exhibits symptoms like redness, a burning sensation, grittiness, lash-adhered pus, itching, and increased tearing.

What is Red Eye?

According to East Sussex Healthcare, red or pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball.

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When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they become more visible giving the whites of the eyes a reddish or pinkish hue.

In addition, the disease can be spread through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, as well as through airborne particles expelled during coughing and sneezing.

Conjunctivitis can be transmitted by touching objects or surfaces with germs and subsequently touching the eyes before proper handwashing.

There are three forms of the red eye including Bacterial, Viral and Allergic conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Bacterial and Viral Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis often starts in one eye and tends to spread to the other. It can result in eyelids sticking together, especially when you wake up in the morning.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis (infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria) typically leads to a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day, accompanied by itching and potential eyelid swelling.

Viral Conjunctivitis (caused by a virus) commonly manifests with a watery discharge during the day and a sticky discharge in the morning.

Also, eyelids may become notably swollen.

While most cases don’t impact vision, there can be instances of temporary blurriness or glare when exposed to light.

This occurs due to the inflammatory reaction causing small white dots on the cornea, which usually fades over a few weeks.

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Expert Opinion on Red Eye

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US notes that identifying the precise cause of red eye can be challenging.

This is because certain symptoms may overlap irrespective of the underlying cause.

Dr. Barney an associate professor in the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Wisconsin in his research on the red eye infection noted that the clinical presentation is often nonspecific.

“Relying on the type of discharge and patient symptoms does not always lead to an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, scientific evidence correlating conjunctivitis signs and symptoms with the underlying cause is often lacking,” he notes in his report.

However, bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in children than adults. It may also cause fever in some cased.

Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, molds, pet dander, medicines, or cosmetics. 

The health agency further mentions that it’s more common in people with other allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma, and eczema.

The Do’s and Don’ts When You Have Conjunctivitis

Do’s:

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your face or eyes.

2. Use Clean Materials: Use fresh towels, tissues, or cotton pads for each eye to avoid spreading the infection.

3. Apply Warm Compresses: Soothe your eyes with a warm compress to alleviate discomfort.

4. Follow Doctor’s Advice: If prescribed eye drops or ointments, use them as directed by your healthcare provider.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to support overall health.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid Touching Eyes: Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent further irritation or spreading the infection.

2. Skip Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, pillowcases, or other personal items that come into contact with your face.

3. Steer Clear of Contact Lenses: Avoid using contact lenses until your eyes have fully healed.

4. Skip Makeup: Avoid using eye makeup when you have the infection, as it can exacerbate the condition.

5. Don’t Self-Diagnose or Self-Medicate: Consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment; avoid using over-the-counter medications without professional advice.

Treatment

For at-home treatment, the NHS recommends boiling water, letting it cool, and using a fresh cotton pad to gently wipe the eyelashes to remove any crusts.

It however notes that it is essential to use a separate pad for each eye. Following this, soothe your eyes by applying a cold cloth for a few minutes.

Nonetheless, if the symptoms persist, an infected person is advised to seek professional help.