Viral Conjunctivitis, commonly called as “pink eye” is redness and swelling of the eye that may be due to infection or irritation caused by viruses. However there are other causes of conjunctivitis that will cause redness of the eye.
Pink eye is a common condition and the infection can be spread by touching/rubbing the eyes with dirty hands or sharing objects such as eye drops, contact lens, towel/handkerchief and makeup.
Most persons will recover from pink eye within 7-10 days without medical treatment.
The Ministry of Health is reminding those persons who are currently experiencing the symptoms of pink eye to not attend school, work or other crowded places until the infection clears up.
If symptoms persist longer than 10 days, persons must seek medical care.
The signs and symptoms of pink eye include redness of eyes; watery eyes; itchy and/or burning eyes; grainy feeling in the eyes and hypersensitivity to light.
The Ministry of Health is advising persons to prevent the spread of pink eye by:
- Avoiding close contact with persons who have pink eye.
- Washing hands before and after touching the eyes or using eye drops.
- Wearing eye protection when exposed to wind, dust, heat or sun to avoid eye irritation.
- Avoiding sharing of eye makeup, eye medicines, contact lens, containers and solutions.
- Avoiding the sharing of towels, linens, pillows or handkerchiefs.
- Avoiding the use of eye makeup while the eye is affected.
- Using clean linens, towels and washcloths daily if infected.