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Sight for sore eyes Yes, you can look, but you can’t touch. This is what you should remember when someone’s red in the eye.
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ore eyes are one of those diseases that people seriously dread. and rightfully so—it is highly communicable, and causes much discomfort. “Sore eyes” is the layman’s term for conjunctivitis. This disease is when the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflammed. A person with sore eyes will experience
intense eye redness, irritation, and watering. In some severe cases, the eye and eye lids become extremely swollen that the eye cannot be opened. This usually happens when the sore eyes is caused by bacteria. In these cases, the eye may also secrete discharge or pus. But most of the time, the inflammation is caused by either an allergy or a virus. Allergic conjunctivitis is fairly easy to diagnose, since this only happens when
exposed to known allergens or irritants, such as smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, or some types of foods. On the other hand, viral conjunctivitis is usually milder than bacterial conjunctivitis, but is more easily transmitted from one person to another. A single case of viral sore eyes can quickly turn into an epidemic in the workplace. Many times, the person has been spreading the virus days before his or her eyes turn red and itchy.
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IN ADDITION, VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS DOES NOT RESPOND TO ANTIBIOTICS. IMPORTANTLY, IF VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS GETS CONTAMINATED WITH BACTERIA, IT CAN BECOME BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS.
All about OTC eye drops
Ease sore eyes
Most diseases of the eye are treated with eye drops. Some eye drops can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. Which one do you use?
Fortunately, two-thirds of patients with sore eyes get well without any treatment within 2 to 5 days. If eyes remain red and itchy after 3 days, visit a doctor, who will prescribe appropriate prescription eye drops. While waiting for your eyes to get well, it sometimes helps to use over-the-counter eye drops to help relieve any stinging sensation. You may also apply cold compress on the affected eyes to ease the pain and swelling. Avoid touching your eyes to minimize eye irritation from scratching.
A Slice of Orange is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Keep it to yourself
Imagine how much havoc you could wreak by starting a sore eyes outbreak in your office or home. Follow these reminders to prevent a minor epidemic:
1. Stay
at home! Viral conjuctivitis is highly contagious. 2. Wash your hands frequently. The virus is not transmitted by looking at a sick person’s eyes. It is passed on through droplets from the eyes, nose and throat. Germs can get onto your hands or tissue paper, and then to surfaces you touch. Other people who touch these surfaces will catch the virus when they, in turn, touch their eyes, nose or mouth. 3. Avoid sharing tissue, eye makeup, washcloths, towels or pillowcases with other people. 4. Avoid going to crowded places during sore-eyes season.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@ activelink-consult.com.
These include: • Eye lubricants or artificial tears – these are drops that moisturize, lubricate, and refresh dry eyes. Dry eyes are not only dry, but also red and itchy. • Eye decongestants – these drops have a special ingredient that constricts the blood vessels of the eye. This helps reduce eye redness. People with high blood pressure should avoid these eye drops. If symptoms have not resolved after a day, you may have a more serious eye problem, such as conjunctivitis. See a doctor. Check the label to know if the eye drops are safe for contact lenses. However, as a general rule, you should not wear your contact lenses if your eyes are dry, red, and itchy.
The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2010 ActiveLink Benefits Made Better
ActiveLink 7/F Electra House Building, 115-117 Esteban St., Legaspi Village, Makati City www.activelink-consult.com