Understanding Eye Flu Symptoms, Causes And Treatment in Nepal

Eye Flu Symptoms

 The eyes are the most sensitive organ of our body, but eye health is often neglected in today’s fast-paced world. We are constantly surrounded by screens, digital devices, and environmental pollutants that can lead to various eye-related issues. One such problem is “eye flu,” known as viral conjunctivitis. 

During the rainy season, viral and bacterial infections are prevalent, and one of the results is eye flu. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and environmental factors can cause this condition. Here, we will explore the eye flu symptoms, its causes, prevention and treatment options. 

Additionally, Bansal Hospital Bhopal provides specialised treatment for eye disorders for those seeking expert care. You can contact medical experts to take guidance and treatment for eye disorders. Let us delve into the eye flu symptoms and treatment options.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Eye Flu?
2. How Is Eye Flu Caused?
3. What Are Eye Flu Symptoms?
4. What Are Eye Flu Treatment Options?
5. What Are The Prevention Measures To Control Eye Flu Symptoms?
6. When To Seek Medical Attention?
7. The Final Say
8. FAQs
9. References

What Is Eye Flu?

Viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as eye flu, is an infection that causes redness, itching, and irritation of the eyes. This infection is prevalent during the monsoon season, as bacteria and viruses can easily invade our eyes, leading to various eye diseases. 

Unhygienic practices such as using dirty contact lenses, glasses, and towels, as well as harsh chemicals present in some eye drops and chemicals, can also trigger eye irritation.

Eye flu is highly contagious and can result in painful swelling of the conjunctiva of the eyes. Children are more susceptible to this infection, and it is more prevalent during the rainy season. It is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this infection.

Also Read: Age-Related Eye Problems: Unveiling Common Vision Issues

How Is Eye Flu Caused?

Eye flu is an infectious disease; thus, it is important to know its causes. The major causes of eye flu disease are:

1. Viral Infections

Viruses are the most common means by which eye flu is easily spread. Viruses like 

Adenoviruses and enteroviruses can enter the conjunctiva (a thin membrane covering the eye’s front part) and cause eye infections. They are responsible for causing itching, excessive tearing and redness in the eyes. 

These viruses are contagious, and thus it is important to avoid crowded places or close contact situations.

Also Read: What Are Communicable And Non-Communicable Diseases?

2. Bacterial Infections

The eye flu symptoms are also triggered by bacterial infections. Bacteria like.Streptococcus.pneumoniae,.Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus can easily invade the conjunctiva, resulting in bacterial conjunctivitis. 

3. Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are another eye flu cause that results in watery, red and itchy eyes. Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, certain cosmetics and pollens interact with the immune system and thus cause allergic conjunctivitis.

Also Read: Understanding Severe Allergic Reactions: All You Need To Know

4. Irritants And Foreign Objects

Irritants and foreign particles can also induce eye flu symptoms. These particles include smoke, pollution, chlorine from swimming pools etc. Due to these irritants, you may feel itching and redness in your eyes.

What Are Eye Flu Symptoms?

The significant eye flu symptoms are:

1. Redness And Irritation 

Redness and irritation are the primary eye flu symptoms. It is caused by the Inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes. The blood vessels of the eyes get dilated and thus appear pink.

People may experience feelings of itchiness, scratchiness, or foreign body sensation in their eyes. These symptoms tend to be more noticeable in the morning or after periods of rest.

2. Watery Eyes 

Excessive tear production, leading to watery or teary eyes, is another common eye flu symptom. The main reason for watery eyes is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which can stimulate the tear glands, causing an overflow of tears. 

Watery eyes can lead to discomfort and blurred vision, making it challenging to perform daily activities. 

3. Sensitiveness To Light 

People with the eye flu may feel photophobia, a condition where the eyes get sensitive to light. Exposure to bright lights or sun can cause discomfort and pain in the eyes, leading persons to squint or shield their eyes from light sources. 

4. Discharge From The Eyes 

A thick, sticky discharge from the eyes observed during waking up is a characteristic symptom of bacterial conjunctivitis. This discharge is often yellow or greenish and can make the eyelids stick together. Viral conjunctivitis may also produce a watery or clear discharge from the eyes. 

5. Gritty Sensation 

Some persons with eye flu may have a gritty or sandy sensation as if debris is present. This feeling of grit is often associated with the inflammation of the conjunctiva. 

6. Crusting Of Eyelids 

In cases of bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eyes may dry and harden overnight, forming crusts around the eyelids. Upon waking up, individuals may find it difficult to open their eyes due to the presence of these crusts. 

7. Swelling Of Eyelids 

Swelling the eyelids is a possible symptom of eye flu, primarily caused by allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis can lead to eyelid oedema, making the eyes appear puffy and swollen. 

8. Discomfort While Blinking 

People with eye flu may feel discomfort or pain while blinking due to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Blinking can exacerbate the itchiness and cause more discomfort. 

9. Eye Discharge Contagiousness 

The contagiousness of flu in the eyes depends on its underpinning cause. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact or exposure to respiratory drops. On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious and does not spread from person to person. 

Also Read: How Do Seasonal Changes Affect Health?

What Are Eye Flu Treatment Options?

The significant eye flu treatment options are:

1. Maintain Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup with others to prevent spreading or acquiring conjunctivitis.

2. Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress to the affected eye can be helpful to avoid any crust or discharge that may have formed.

3. Avoid Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to switch to glasses until the infection clears up. 

What Are The Prevention Measures To Control Eye Flu Symptoms?

Preventing eye flu symptoms involves adopting simple yet effective hygiene practices:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water prevents virus transfer to your eyes.
• Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands to prevent introducing viruses to the sensitive eye area.
• Use clean towels and avoid sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup in public spaces such as gyms or swimming pools.
• You should avoid close contact with individuals having eye flu symptoms to reduce the risk of transmission.
• You can cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Regularly clean and sanitise the items that come into contact with your face, such as sunglasses and makeup brushes.

When to See A Doctor?

It is important to seek medical attention if you observe the following conditions:

1. Severe Pain

If you are experiencing severe eye pain or a sudden decrease in vision, seek medical attention promptly.

2. Prolonged Symptoms

A medical evaluation is recommended if your symptoms persist beyond two weeks or worsen.

3. Suspected Bacterial Infection

If your eye discharge turns thick, green, or yellow, this might indicate a bacterial infection. Then you must consult your doctor about the treatment for eye flu.

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