Conjunctivitis / Madras Eye Prevention

The spread of conjunctivitis also known as pink eye or Madras eye can be prevented by adopting simple hygiene methods.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a common condition that spreads rapidly from one person to another. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Though not a serious condition, it spreads like an epidemic due to carelessness on the part of the person who suffers from it and the people around. Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctivitis due to chemicals or irritants are also types of conjunctivitis, but which does not spread from person to person.

Though some people suggest that pink eye can spread by merely being in a room with a person whose eyes are affected by the condition, this is untrue. Conjunctivitis spreads through secretions from the eye. Thus, if a person touches his/her eye, he/she can pass on the infective virus or bacteria to another person or object that comes in contact with the secretion.

Thus, the spread of conjunctivitis can be prevented by adopting simple methods to maintain hygiene. The recent weather changes with the advent of the cold season coupled with rain have resulted in a large number of cases in South India. Viral conjunctivitis is also referred to as Madras Eye in India. Here are some steps that you could follow to avoid conjunctivitis or prevent spreading it if you already suffer from the condition.

• Wash your hands with soap and water at times of an epidemic. Carry an alcohol-based sanitizer with you to use when you do not have access to soap and water.

• Avoid touching your eyes with your hand or any object like a handkerchief.

• Do not share eye makeup or eye medicines.

• If you suffer from conjunctivitis or Madras eye,

• Wash your eyes regularly and wipe with a disposable tissue. After that, immediately sterilize your hands. Do not leave the tissue lying around.

• Avoid going to your place of work or school till you recover completely.

• Any linen that you use like towels, bed sheets and pillow covers should be washed with hot water and detergent.

• Do not wear contact lenses or any eye or face makeup.

• Avoid going to the swimming pool or using the gym or other equipment that are used commonly by other people.

• Sterilize eyeglasses and contact lenses once you recover from the condition

• If only one eye is affected, avoid touching the other eye.

• Apply a warm or cold compress to the affected eye to sooth it. And do not forget to wash your hands after that.

• Do not forget to visit a doctor as soon as symptoms set in to control the infection. The doctor will prescribe eye drops; do not share these with anyone.

Source: Medindia

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