Beware of sore eyes

CEBU, Philippines – An APEC delegate had reportedly contracted sore eyes recently while in Cebu. The news sounded the alarm among many about the prevalence of the disease in the city. There had been sporadic reports of sore eyes cases in certain barangays, although the disease is normally associated with summertime.

Certainly, older people would have already experienced the discomfort of the disease. Sore eyes could actually strike a person several times in the course of a lifetime. Every time, it feels just as bad.

Sore eyes can affect one or both eyes, according to experts. The eyes may feel as if a foreign object is in them, or they may feel tired, heavy, and hard to keep open. A common cause of sore eyes is conjunctivitis, but the problem can also be caused by an infection, allergies, too much sun exposure, eye fatigue, or contact lens wear.

There are different symptoms: redness of the eyes, burning and gritty sensation, photophobia (sensitivity to light), pain, difficulty opening eyes after sleeping (with eyelids often stuck together), runny nose, and even sore throat and soreness of the lymph glands (the body's defensive filter, located behind the ears). The symptoms generally peak within three or four days and can last up to two weeks.

Sore eyes can be caused by a variety of things. It can even be caused by staring at a computer screen or book for too long. The eyes may become sore after a long day at work or if the person has been deprived of sleep. Also, an incorrect eyeglass prescription and excessive rubbing of eyes may lead to sore eyes.

While soreness of the eyes can be brought on by various causes and may take different types, it is the infectious and contagious sore eyes that get the public alarmed - viral conjunctivitis. It is an eye infection affecting the outer lining of the eyeball, called conjunctiva, as well as the inner lining of the eyelids. It is thought to occur during the cooler and wet months of the year, during which the incidence of viral respiratory infections such as influenza is higher. But, in fact, it is also noted to occur during the dry months.

Conjunctivitis is self-limiting, lasting between seven to ten days, depending on the viral strain. Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the discomfort as there is no definitive medication against this viral infection. Cold compress and eye ointments are often helpful, but shall be used only upon the eye doctor's advice.

The infection is highly contagious, often resulting in epidemics, as it spreads easily by hand-to-eye contact, primarily, and by droplet contamination.

The best thing to do in case of sore eyes is to seek medical attention. An eye doctor shall be sought immediately. The doctor will determine the type of the sore eyes and prescribe the appropriate medication - either to treat the problem or simply to minimize the discomfort, as in the case of conjunctivitis.

Catching an eye problem early can prevent further eye damage. Other types of sore eyes can be effectively alleviated by simply getting more sleep at night, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, refraining from rubbing the eyes, taking 'eye breaks' during activities that may be causing eye strain, eating a well balanced diet, and seeking medical attention early on.

Although many types of sore eyes resolve by themselves, if the cause is an underlying condition such as dry eyes, the problem will not go away until treatment is sought. If treatment is delayed, complications can arise, including corneal scarring, vision changes or loss of vision, spread of the infection, and development of other eye problems.

As the cliché goes - "Prevention is always better than cure." There are many things that can be done to prevent sore eyes. Washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water is a great start. Again, refraining from touching the eyes and face with unclean or unwashed hands can prevent possible infection. Not sharing of towels, eyeglasses, sunglasses, or cosmetics shall be practiced as well.

Those who have symptoms of sore eyes, and have been using any cosmetics that are applied to the eyes or in the eye area, it is best to discontinue using these products. If infectious sore eyes occur in the home, it is advisable to disinfect surfaces, especially common ones such as doorknobs and counters, with diluted bleach solutions; bleach is known to kill germs. If someone in the workplace contracts sore eyes, the person shall be advised to take a leave of absence until his condition is treated. At the same time, the work area shall be disinfected.

Those who don't have the symptoms shall stay away from those who have, as much as possible. This is important in order to prevent the spread of infection. It definitely pays to beware - and take care.