Prevention of pink eye

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. This disease is very common, easily contracted by all ages and is especially contagious in the community, especially in schools, crowded residential areas or poor hygiene environments.

The most common causes of pink eye are viruses (especially adenovirus) or bacteria; it can also be caused by allergies or irritation from dust or chemicals. The disease often starts suddenly, first in one eye and then spreads to the other eye. Typical symptoms include red eyes, burning, itching, watery eyes, excessive discharge, swollen eyelids and discomfort when looking at light.

Although pink eye is an acute disease and is mostly benign, it still has a clear impact on daily life, study and work. Notably, pink eye spreads very quickly through eye secretions, dirty hands or shared personal items, so it can easily become an epidemic in the community. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the disease and there is no specific treatment for cases caused by viruses, so disease 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 not treated properly or carelessly, the condition can last longer, causing complications such as keratitis, affecting vision. Patients should see a doctor if they experience severe pain, blurred vision, photophobia, or signs of worsening.

Medical experts say there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for viral conjunctivitis, and people who have had it can still be reinfected. Statistics from a number of medical facilities show that the number of visits for conjunctivitis has increased recently; many hospitals have recorded twice as many cases of viral conjunctivitis as in 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 fight the disease, the Ministry of Health recommends that people wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, avoid rubbing their eyes, nose, and mouth, and absolutely do not share personal items such as towels, masks, pillows, eye drops, or glasses. Daily cleaning of eyes, nose, and throat with saline helps reduce the risk of infection and limit secretions - factors that can increase the possibility of spreading in the family or community. In addition, people need to proactively disinfect surfaces, personal items, and common living areas with soap or common disinfectants, especially when there is a sick person in the house.

One of the important measures is to limit close contact with people with pink eye. Experts recommend that patients should stay home from school or work when symptoms are severe to avoid infecting others. If suspected of having the disease, people should go to a medical facility for examination, consultation and proper treatment, and avoid using eye drops or antibiotics on their own because it can cause complications or make the disease worse. Cases of severe eye pain, blurred vision, photophobia or prolonged discharge should be promptly examined 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