“Red eye” or “Pink eye” seems to
be ripping through the community like wildfire. It is so contagious
that the Balinese believe that you can actually transmit it
just by looking at someone; hence the dark glasses worn by
those stricken by this troublesome condition. While conjunctivitis
is extremely contagious, it is not transmitted by “staring”.Conjunctivitis
causes sore, red and sticky eyes. It is usually not serious
although it can be uncomfortable. Some kinds of conjunctivitis
can cause damage to the eyes. (Note that if eye redness is
a result of injury to the eye e.g. being hit or scratched,
should be seen to as soon as possible by a doctor). If the
tissue around the eye (skin and eyelids) becomes swollen,
red and sore, the infection may be in the skin and underlying
tissues (cellulitis) which can be much more serious than conjunctivitis.
This will also need to be assessed by a doctor as soon as
possible.
What is conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is caused by an infection of the lining of
the eyelids and outer protective layer of the eye (the conjunctiva).
It can be caused by a germ (virus or bacteria) or by allergies.
It may not always be clear which type of problem is present
as each will cause reddening of the conjunctiva. If it is
caused by bacteria both eyes are almost always infected, although
it may start in one eye. There is likely to be a gritty feeling
and pus. Conjunctivitis from a virus may involve one or both
eyes, causing red itchy eyes and watering of the eyes. If
it comes from an allergy there are often other signs of hay
fever including itchy nose and sneezing, the eyes feel itchy
and run a lot.
How is conjunctivitis spread?
The virus causing conjunctivitis spreads very easily. It can
be spread both by touching the water that comes out of the
eye and by coughing or sneezing if there is a ‘cold’
at the same time. Conjunctivitis from bacteria can be spread
by hands touching the pus from the eye and moving it to other
eyes. This form of highly contagious eye infection is a bacterial
conjunctivitis, and is spread by direct or indirect contact.
Door handles and money have been proven to be the top offenders
when it comes to spreading this and other highly contagious
diseases. Think about it. How many times to you open a door
each day? How many other people have opened that same door?
One person rubs his irritated, infected eye, then opens a
door somewhere, and bingo…….every other person
that opens that same door, and then touches their face will
catch the disease. If conjunctivitis is due to a bacterial
infection, it is contagious until the eyes are no longer red
and there is no discharge (this may be after several days
without treatment, or about 24 hours after starting effective
treatment.) If the conjunctivitis is due to a viral infection,
it may take several days before the eyes are clear, and the
person is infectious until the eyes are back to normal. Conjunctivitis
from allergies is not infectious.
Treatment
It is important to see your doctor to check which kind of
conjunctivitis you have. Bacterial conjunctivitis may need
antibiotic ointment or drops from a doctor. Viral conjunctivitis
has no special treatment; it will get better on its own. Gentle
cleaning of the eyes may help them feel better. Allergic conjunctivitis
may be helped by treatment used for other problems of hay
fever (e.g. antihistamines). Remember if you are inserting
eye drops always place the drops in the outer (closest to
the ear) lower lid sac of the eye. If they are inserted in
the corner of the eye closest to the nose they will not wash
across the eye, but rather be squirted right out at the next
blink.
Prevention
Careful hand washing is most important to stop the spread
of conjunctivitis, but even with this some viral conjunctivitis
will spread in places such as child care centers. Hand washing
with soap after touching the child, disposal of tissues after
one use and not sharing towels is important Children and adults
with conjunctivitis should stay away from school, child care
or work until it is better.
Cleaning sore eyes
Regular cleaning away of the pus is useful to help the child
feel better. It may help the infection clear up more quickly.
Eyes can be cleaned either towards the nose from the outside
in, or from the inside out, whichever is easier. It is important
to use a separate cotton wool ball or tissue for each eye,
and to use warm but not hot water. Wipe the closed eye gently
but firmly to remove the excess pus - do not clean inside
the eyelids as this may cause damage to the conjunctiva or
the cornea (the clear front of the eye).
“Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife
that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty
years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral
service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any
health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail
at info@chcbali.com”.
