Understanding Conjunctivitis and Preventive Measures: Have a read through this article and get information on Understanding Conjunctivitis and Preventive Measures.
The colonial British doctors stationed in Madras gave the condition the moniker “Madras eye” because it was common during the muggy, hot summers. The infectious agent, an adenovirus, may be preceded by a slight sore throat and cold.
In areas with high population densities and in workplaces with overcrowding, it spreads quickly. Public places and transport systems are other places where the virus spreads quickly. Dr. Shibu Varkey, MD, DNB, FRCS(UK).
The Maxivision Superspeciality Eye Hospital in Tiruchirapalli’s regional medical director explains that “the infected person’s tears and eye secretions are the source of the infection’s spread and hands are the means of transmitting it to one’s eyes.”
Although swelling of the eyelids and pain in the area around the eye as well as at a position in front of the ear due to lymph node enlargement may occur in severe cases, the predominant symptoms are watering, irritation, light discharge, and redness.
In some instances, an infection (keratitis) may extend to the cornea, resulting in blurred vision, glare, and haloes at night.
Cause of Conjunctivitis (Understanding Conjunctivitis and Preventive Measures)
In most situations, the infection is self-limiting and resolves in a week or two, but in uncommon circumstances, the keratitis may last for months or years. As there are numerous subtypes of the virus, it is conceivable for the same person to become infected multiple times, hence being infected does not provide resistance to subsequent infections. Keeping your hands and eyes separate is the only surefire approach to stop the spread of infection. Hands must always be cleansed or sanitised before touching the eye. People who are infected spread the virus through contact with infected objects and by wiping their eyes with infected hands after touching the same area spread the illness to their own eyes.
Limiting the transmission can be accomplished by isolating the affected individuals and using separate dishes, soap, towels, and pillows.
The illness has no effective cure, and most treatments are supportive. However, using steroid eyedrops to quickly relieve symptoms should be avoided because they might cause keratitis and lengthen the course of the condition.
People with diabetes and weakened immune systems may experience a protracted and challenging course of illness.
Avoiding crowded areas, avoiding eye contact, constantly washing or sanitising hands, avoiding sharing personal belongings, and all of the above should help one avoid getting Madras eye this season.
Preventive Measures
1. Avert congested areas.
2. Always wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes.
3. Avoid sharing towels or other items used for personal hygiene with others.
4. Steroid eyedrops should not be used to treat the illness.
5. Constantly wash your hands.
6. After touching frequently touched surfaces like faucets, toilets, door handles, etc., use sanitizer.
7. To avoid touching one’s eyes, wear safety eyewear like goggles.
8. Patients with diabetes need to maintain their blood sugar under control.
9. Keep up with your personal hygiene.
