Having finally risen from my sick bed and emerged from a darkened room following acute viral conjunctivitis which left me unable to use my eyes for two weeks, I’m seriously valuing my sight. Although I have never experienced or seen such an acute form of this affliction affectionately known as ‘pink eye’, it is apparently one of the most common reasons for visits to eye specialists.
I am slowly recovering, but apart from the discomfort and a month’s disruption to my life in terms of work as well as social activity, I now fully appreciate how precious my eyesight is and I’ve learned a few things on this journey.
Causes: The three main causes are bacterial, viral or allergy. In the case of bacterial and viral, whatever caused it in the first place is probably irrelevant as it is highly contagious and passed very easily from person to person. In my case it was the adenovirus that was responsible, a virus that causes the common cold amongst other upper respiratory illnesses. Allergic conjunctivitis is common here in the UAE due to the dusty environment.
If your doctor is unsure of the cause, simple blood tests can determine which of the three is responsible, although my ophthalmologist was able to determine the cause by examining my inner eyelids.
Symptoms: In the milder cases, the whites of your eyes turn pink, your eyes will probably be itchy, a little swollen and watery. In the more severe cases, the discharge will be thicker and profuse, your inner eyelids almost turn inside out, pain can keep you awake at night and you become photophobic, unable to stand any light, especially bright sunlight.
Prognosis: Allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with the use of antihistamines, either tablets, eye drops or both. It tends to be seasonal too, so should settle down.
Bacterial and viral infections will run their course within a week or two, although sometimes it can last much longer. In the case of viral, there is little that can be done and as I was told on a number of occasions, you just have to be patient.
I would avoid using steroid eye drops or any other drops available over the counter as the virus must run its course and nothing can hurry this along.
Treatment:
1. Rest: If you have an infection, you aren’t well and your body needs time to recover.
2. Hygeine: Wash your hands frequently and thorough Clean youreyes/eyelashes frequently using cotton buds (using fresh cotton wool/buds for each eye) and babyshampoo. Good habits to get into are things like not sharing towels, thoroughly cleaning your eyes morning and night and keeping all eyewear scrupulously clean (special care should be taken in the
case of contact lenses). Keep your surroundings clean (especially door handles) and bedding.
3. Compresses: When my eyes were too sore for anything else, warm or cold compresses really soothed them.
4. Artificial tears: Dry eyes are a problem anyway in hot, windy,
dusty conditions and air conditioned areas, but your eyes will probably thank you for the extra moisture these products provide.
Josie is a health, fitness & lifestyle adviser and a Pilates & yoga instructor with 30+ years experience. www.bodysoulwell.com. Follow her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Josie.McKenlay) and Twitter @JosieMcKenlay.
