Preventing conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It is a very common disease, easily contracted at all ages, and particularly contagious in the community, especially in schools, densely populated residential areas, or environments with poor hygiene.

The most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses (especially adenovirus) or bacteria; however, it can also be caused by allergies or irritation from dust, smoke, or chemicals. The disease usually starts suddenly, initially in one eye and then spreading to the other. Typical symptoms include redness, a gritty or burning sensation, itching, tearing, excessive discharge, swollen eyelids, and discomfort when looking at bright light.

Although conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an acute and mostly benign disease, it significantly impacts daily life, studies, and work. Notably, conjunctivitis spreads rapidly through eye secretions, dirty hands, or sharing personal items, making it prone to outbreaks in the community. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease and no specific treatment for viral infections; therefore, prevention through personal hygiene and limiting contact with sources of infection is the most important measure.

Most cases will resolve on their own after a few days to a week, but if treatment is improper or negligent, the condition can persist and cause complications such as keratitis, affecting vision. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience severe pain, blurred vision, photophobia, or worsening symptoms.

Health experts say there is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease and no specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis, while those who have had it can still be reinfected. Statistics from several medical facilities show a recent surge in conjunctivitis cases; many hospitals have recorded twice the number of viral conjunctivitis cases compared to previous months. This is a warning sign that the community needs to pay more attention to prevention and early detection to limit the spread.

To proactively prevent and control the disease, the Ministry of Health recommends that people wash their hands frequently with soap and clean water, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, and absolutely not share personal items such as face towels, masks, pillows, eye drops, or eyeglasses. Daily cleaning of the eyes, nose, and throat with saline solution helps reduce the risk of infection and limit secretions – a factor that can increase the spread of the disease within families or groups. In addition, people should proactively disinfect surfaces, personal belongings, and common living areas with soap or common disinfectants, especially when someone in the house is sick.

One important measure is to limit close contact with people who have conjunctivitis. Experts recommend that patients should stay home from school or work during periods of severe symptoms to avoid spreading the infection to others. If suspected of having the disease, people should go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and proper treatment, avoiding self-medication with eye drops or antibiotics as this can cause complications or worsen the condition. Cases with severe eye pain, blurred vision, photophobia, or persistent excessive discharge should be promptly checked by a specialist to prevent the risk of future vision problems.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/phong-chong-benh-dau-mat-do-291766