How to guard against acute conjunctivitis
Keeping a lid on the common eye infection
Acute conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye", is one of the most common eye infections, particularly among schoolchildren. Because of its highly contagious nature everyone is susceptible - especially those in crowded places such as kindergartens, indoor amusement parks and swimming pools.
With the new school year under way, we need to pay extra attention to our children's personal hygiene, particularly those of kindergarten age. Parents have to be extra cautious if symptoms surface and keep their children at home to avoid spreading it to others.
Pink eye is spread easily through infected droplets, especially when victims come into contact with public property covered by infected droplets such as towels and shared items such as 3D glasses. Dirty contact lenses are another common source of infection.
The problems start when the conjunctiva - the thin, normally transparent membrane that covers the sclera and lines the eyelids - becomes infected.
The blood vessels within it then become irritated and swell leaving the eye with a red or pink appearance. The onset of a reddish-pink eye is a typical sign of conjunctivitis.
Other symptoms include a heightened sensitivity to light, increased discharge levels, itchy eyes, pain in the eyes, an increase in tears and swollen eyelids.
