Red eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible.
This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish. The red eye also is called conjunctivitis.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s family, relationship, and lifestyle show dubbed NYANSAPO FIE, on the Topic “CONJUNCTIVITIS – RED EYE” with Mrs. Divina M. Appiah a Principal Nursing Officer/Ophthalmic Nurse together with Mrs Naana Kwabea Aboagye a Principal Nursing Officer from the Eye department at Tema Polyclinic hosted by Dr. Michael Asenso.
Mrs. Divina Appiah explained that most cases of a red eye are caused by adenovirus but also can be caused by other viruses, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly or aren’t your own can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.
She said both types are very contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of someone who’s infected. One or both eyes may be affected.
She said allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. In response to allergens, your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin IgE which triggers special cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamines. Your body’s release of histamine can produce several allergy symptoms, including red.
“If you have allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience intense itching, tearing, and inflammation of the eyes- as well as sneezing and watery nasal discharge”. Most allergic conjunctivitis can be controlled with allergy eye drops. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Mrs. Naana Kwabea Aboagye also explained that Irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in your eye also is associated with conjunctivitis. Sometimes flushing and cleaning the eye to wash out the chemical or object causes redness and irritation. Symptoms, which may include watery eyes and a mucous discharge, usually clear up on their own within about a day.
If flushing doesn’t resolve the symptoms, or if the chemical is a caustic one such as eye, see your health care provider or eye specialist as soon as possible. A chemical splash into the eye can cause permanent eye damage. Ongoing symptoms could indicate that you still have a foreign body in your eye. Or you also could have a scratch on the cornea or the membrane covering the eyeball, called the conjunctiva
They outline some of the most common red eye symptoms including Redness in one or both eyes, Itchiness in one or both eyes, A gritty feeling in one or both eyes, A discharge in one or both eyes forming a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning, Tearing, and Sensitivity to light is called photophobia.
They also advised that Practicing good hygiene helps to control the spread of red eye for instance, Don’t touch your eyes with your hands, Wash your hands often, Throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara, and Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
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