

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis or eye flu, is inflammation of the thin transparent tissue that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid. Eye flu is becoming a growing concern in many regions in India as its spread gains momentum nowadays. Vigilance and hygiene practices remain crucial in curbing its transmission.
Eye Flu Causes: Why is It Happening?
Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is becoming widespread due to heavy rains in many parts of the country. The primary causes are viruses and bacteria, like those responsible for common colds.
The arrival of the monsoon season brings relief from the heat and an array of infections and diseases. The humid conditions and stagnant water create an ideal breeding environment for illnesses, with eye flu (conjunctivitis) being a common concern. It poses a significant threat to health.
Types of Eye Flu or Conjunctivitis
Here are the different types of eye flu you should be aware of:
- Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies a cold and is highly contagious, which means it quickly spreads from person to person by touching the eyes after blowing the nose.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is also infectious and requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment for treatment.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is triggered by pollen, grass, animals, or dust mites, commonly occurring in spring and summer.
- Irritative conjunctivitis is also non-contagious and results from exposure to irritants like chlorine, contact lens solutions, cosmetics, smoke, and bright light.
Certain medical conditions like thyroid disease, gout, specific cancers, skin conditions, tuberculosis, and syphilis can also lead to conjunctivitis.
Eye Flu Symptoms
Eye Flu is an eye infection or inflammation that can cause various uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some of the eye flu symptoms:
- Redness: The white part of the eye or inner eyelid appears red or pinkish.
- Watery eyes: Increased tearing and excessive watery discharge from the eyes.
- Crust formation: Thick yellow discharge can accumulate and form crusts, especially after waking up.
- Grittiness and itching: Eyes may feel gritty or itchy, like sand in the eye.
- Swelling: Eyelids can become swollen due to inflammation.
- Burning sensation: Burning or stinging sensation, especially if chemicals or irritants cause the eye flu.
- Sensitivity to light: Increased sensitivity to bright light or sunlight, also known as photophobia.
- Blurred Vision: Eyesight may become blurry or hazy.
Remember, if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seeking advice from a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential. Avoid touching the eyes to prevent spreading the infection to others, as conjunctivitis can be highly contagious.
Eye Flu Treatment
Wondering how to cure eye flu? The eye flu treatment depends on the underlying cause – the treatment is done on the basis of the type such as bacteria, viruses, irritants, or allergies.
- The bacterial eye flu requires antibiotics (eye drops, ointments, or pills) prescribed by a healthcare provider. Ointments can be applied to the eyelashes and will likely melt into the eye.
- The viral eye flu generally does not need treatment, except for cases caused by certain severe viruses like herpes simplex or varicella-zoster, which require antiviral medications to prevent eye damage and vision loss.
- Antibiotics are not effective for viral eye flu.
- Eye flu caused by irritating substances can be relieved by rinsing the eyes with warm water for five minutes. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. For strong acids or alkaline chemicals, rinse the eyes with water and immediately contact a healthcare provider.
- Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with either prescription or over-the-counter eye drops containing antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., steroids or decongestants).
- Temporarily relieve symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis by applying a cold compress to closed eyes.
- Prevent allergic eye flu by avoiding allergens or using over-the-counter allergy medicines.
Precautionary Measures to Take for Eye Flu
In the face of the common yet uncomfortable eye flu, adopting preventive measures becomes paramount to safeguarding our visual health. By understanding and implementing these preventative steps, we can reduce the risk of infection and secure our eyes from potential discomfort and complications.
- If your child has eye flu, make sure they don’t go to school or daycare till the time the infection is no longer contagious. Consult your healthcare provider for the recommended duration.
- To reduce transmission risk, be on antibiotics for at least 24 hours or until symptoms subside entirely.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the infected eyes to prevent further spread.
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water is crucial in maintaining good hygiene.
- Cleansing of the eyes twice a day with a fresh cotton ball and proper handwashing afterwards can help remove discharge safely.
- After applying eye drops or ointment, wash your hands to avoid contamination.
- Refrain from sharing personal items like makeup, contact lenses, towels, or cups to minimise potential transmission.
Myths and Facts of Eye Flu (Conjunctivitis)
Below are some of the Myths vs Facts about Eye Flu:
Myth 1: Only children get eye flu.
Fact: Eye flu is common in both children and adults. While it frequently occurs in children due to hand-to-eye contact and proximity in places like schools and daycares, it can affect people of all ages.
Myth 2: You won’t get eye flu if you don’t rub your eyes.
Fact: Rubbing eyes with unclean hands is one way to get conjunctivitis, but it can also be caused by exposure to contaminated objects, improperly cleaned contact lenses, makeup, lotions, and even airborne viruses or allergens.
Myth 3: Eye flu is always infectious and highly contagious.
Fact: Different types of eye flu exist, and not all are infectious. Bacterial and viral eye flu is contagious, but it is non contagious in case of allergens that trigger allergic eye flu, and the chemical conjunctivitis which is caused by exposure to irritants.
Myth 4: You can’t be born with eye flu.
Fact: Newborns can have neonatal eye flu due to blocked tear ducts, eye irritation, or infections passed from the mother during childbirth. Bacterial conjunctivitis (eye flu) in newborns, such as chlamydial or gonococcal conjunctivitis, requires antibiotics.
Myth 5: You never require to go to the doctor for eye flu treatment.
Fact: In most cases, eye flu resolves independently without treatment. However, if symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Myth 6: If you have eye redness, it must be eye flu.
Fact: Red eyes can be caused by various factors, including allergies, dry eye syndrome, irritants, glaucoma (urgent medical condition), scleritis (linked to autoimmune diseases), and uveitis (can cause permanent vision loss).
Myth 7: There is no treatment for eye flu.
Fact: While many eye flu cases resolve independently, treatments can relieve symptoms. Artificial tears can ease dryness, warm or cool compresses reduce inflammation, and allergy medications help when allergies cause eye flu.
Myth 8: Once you’ve had eye flu, you’re immune to it.
Fact: Having conjunctivitis once doesn’t grant immunity against future infections. To protect against eye flu, avoid rubbing your eyes, wash hands frequently, don’t share towels or makeup, properly clean glasses or contact lenses, and avoid known allergens if you have allergic conjunctivitis. Be cautious not to spread it from one eye to the other.
Conclusion
So now, you all must be well aware of what is eye flu. Also, it is important to know that eye flu is highly contagious and can spread by direct contact or contaminated surfaces. To protect oneself and others, practise good hygiene, avoid touching the eyes with unwashed hands, and use protective eyewear when necessary. Prompt medical attention can prevent further transmission and complications. Stay vigilant!