What is Sore Eyes?
Sore eyes, like Pink eye is a common term used for Conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin covering of the eyeball and inner eyelid. The inflammation is brought on by a viral, bacterial or allergy infection, however, sore eyes is generally due to a viral infection.
Extremely contagious, it spreads easily by eye to hand to eye contact, a runny nose or cough, or when people come into contact with a contaminated surface or object. If severe enough or long lasting, it can eventually lead to corneal scarring that can lead to glare and decreased vision. Experts say if you have sore eyes or symptoms of sore eyes, not to go to work or school until symptoms are relieved and treatment is successful.
Sore Eye Symptoms
There are many different symptoms you will encounter if you are suffering from sore eyes. Signs and symptoms generally peak within 3-4 days and last up to 14 days. These symptoms include:
* Redness of the eyes
* Discomfort
* Burning
* Gritty sensation
* Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
* Pain
* Difficulty opening eyes after sleeping
* Eyelids stuck together after sleeping
* Water-like discharge
* Soreness
Other signs and symptoms that are accompanied by the sore eyes include:
* Runny nose
* Sore throat
* Lymph glands are sore (lymph glands are your body’s defensive filter, they are located behind the ears)
How does sore eyes spread?
Sore eyes can spread by contact of contaminated hands with the eyes (hand-to-eye contact) or through touching of eyes with hands, which got into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also spread through droplets from a person with sore eyes, who also has a runny nose or cough.
How long does sore eyes last?
Signs and symptoms of sore eyes will peak in three to four days, and patient will be relieved and recover in about 10 to 14 days.
What are the complications of sore eyes?
After a severe and prolonged infection there can be corneal scarring that can result in glare and decreased vision.
Is there a treatment for sore eyes?
Sore eyes, which is of viral origin, is self-limiting. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used upon the advice of a health professional. To relieve the discomfort, warm compress may be applied to the eye 5 to 10 minutes three times a day.
How do you prevent sore eyes?
* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
* Do not touch your eyes and face without washing your hands.
* Do not share towels, eyeglasses/ shades and make up.
* Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best).
* Used make-up must be thrown away if the patient has been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.
* Be careful that tips of eye drops or ointments do not touch the eyes or eyelashes.
* Don’t swim (some bacteria and viruses can be spread in the water).
* Avoid shaking hands.
* Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, counters, elevator buttons, hand rails with dilute bleach solution.
Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.
What should patients with sore eyes do?
* Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
* Use clean tissue to remove discharge from eyes and wash hands afterwards.
* Dispose used tissue in garbage bins. If the latter is not available, keep tissue in a small plastic bag then discard it as soon as you find a garbage bin.
* To prevent irritation of the eye and possible scarring, do not use contact lens while one has sore eyes.
* Do not wear eye make-up until the problem has been resolved.
* Warm compress may be helpful to relieve discomfort and remove "crust."
* Use antibiotic or antiviral medication only upon prescription by the doctor.
* If drops or an ointment is prescribed, the applicator tip and infected eye must never come in contact with each other.
* Especially for persons with sore eyes with runny nose or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other family members or co-workers.
Should I report for work if I have sore eyes?
As much as possible, do not report for work. If circumstances require you to report for work, especially if you have sore eyes accompanied by runny nose and/or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other employees. In workplaces where you mingle or work closely with other employees, it is best to stay at home.
Should I go to school and attend classes if I have sore eyes?
Spread of sore eyes can be hastened by crowding and close contact with other persons thus, those with sore eyes are advised not report to school.
Until when should one be absent from work or school?
Until the symptoms have resolved and until there is no discharge from the eyes.
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