The Departments of Health, and Education and Training have sent a warning to schools on widespread infection of Conjunctivitis, commonly known as ‘pink eye’, and to enhance preventive measures.
Conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ is an inflammation of the outer area of the eye and inner eyelids that is highly infectious from one person to another.
Symptoms include watery yellowish discharge which may cause crusting on eyelashes upon waking in the morning. The eyelids and skin surrounding the eye may appear puffy and red.
Other symptoms include itching and a feeling of grittiness or irritation while blinking. Vision remains undisturbed.
Whenever large numbers of people develop ‘pink eye’, a viral infection is usually the cause. Most viral and bacterial eye infection cures itself in seven to 14 days.
Patients should wear sun glasses and use saline drops. They can use antibiotic and cold compresses that help to soothe the eye area that can become itchy.
Moreover, to avoid transmitting to others, patients should wash their hands after touching their eyes.
