2024-01-04 20:29:53
Understanding conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, a type of pinkeye, is a common eye disease that causes inflammation and irritation of the conjunctiva (white of the eye). Conjunctivitis is common and can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and allergies. Adenovirus conjunctivitis is mainly caused by a group of filtering viruses called “adenoviruses”. Pinkeye caused by an infection with an adenovirus can cause flushing, pain, and watering of the eyes. If the infection spreads to the cornea, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis may occur, causing blurred vision, photophobia, and even swollen lymph nodes in front and behind the ears. Usually the infection affects one eye first and then spreads to the other eye within 4 to 5 days, although symptoms in the second eye are usually milder.
Adenovirus conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread easily through person-to-person contact or by touching your eyes with uncleaned hands. Adenovirus infections are caused by more than fifty known strains of the virus, all of which are highly contagious. These viruses can spread between mucous membranes such as the lungs, nose, and tear ducts, and the infection may spread along these mucous membranes to the conjunctiva. General household cleaners cannot effectively kill adenovirus, increasing the risk of the virus spreading through surfaces. Adenovirus infection usually resolves on its own over time, and palliative treatment can be performed during the infection. General treatment includes using saline to cleanse secretions, applying cold compresses to reduce eye inflammation, and using artificial tears to lubricate the ocular surface to relieve discomfort. If the condition is severe, your doctor will prescribe steroid eye drops to relieve pain and inflammation, and antiviral eye ointments as needed to speed up recovery. To prevent adenovirus conjunctivitis, avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands, minimize close contact with infected people, and have good hand hygiene habits. Remember to wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes.
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