Sore Eyes 2015

Rumors are circulating in the city about the shortage of eye drops. This is because of the incidence of conjunctivitis or commonly known as sore eyes that has increased to almost epidemic levels. Although there might have been outbreak of sore eyes on a year-in-year-out prevalence, most commonly seen during the hot and dry summer months, this present occurrence in 2015 is by far the biggest in recent years.

As the common name provides sore eyes refers to painful eyes. But pain is just one of the symptoms of sore eyes. If you’re suffering from it you may experience other symptoms that peak within four days and may last up to two weeks. The following symptoms, together with the redness on the white portion of the eyes, may be present: burning sensation, feeling of some dirt, sand, or small foreign object inside the eyes, sensitivity to light, difficulty of opening the eyes after sleeping (eyelids stuck together after sleeping), watery discharge and in some cases yellowish (pus-like) discharge, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, painful lymph nodes in the neck, itchy eyes, puffy eyelids, and sensation of dryness in the eyes. Sore eyes may be accompanied with fever, body weakness, and headache.

What causes sore eyes?

Sore eyes may be airborne. Smoke, smog, pollen, and other pollutants in the air can cause pinkish or reddish swelling of the eyes. Too much rubbing of the eyes (contaminated fingers) can also result to the same condition. Allergens, trauma to the eyes, contact lenses, prolonged use of eye solutions, and sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea and Chlamydia) can cause sore eyes. Too much sun exposure can be a cause. The two major causes are either bacteria or virus or a combination of the two.

What is the treatment for sore eyes?

The best thing for you to do is to go to your doctor. If it is a viral conjunctivitis, no treatment is needed. It goes away even without medicine. Ordinary washing of the face and the eyes with water is indicated. If blurring of vision is present, the use of eye drops with corticosteroids may help. If it is bacterial, an antibacterial eye drops is required. Antibiotics and anti-viral tablets are most of the time prescribed in combination with the eye drops. Avoidance of allergen is the number one treatment and prevention of allergic conjunctivitis.

Supportive remedies

Rest and get plenty of sleep. Increase your water intake throughout the day. Eat a well balanced diet. Avoid holding or rubbing your eyes. Take ‘eye breaks’ from computer strain, long drive, and other activities that can strain your eyes. Warm compress with clean cloth over the eyes for 2 to 3 minutes will give a soothing effect. Cotton balls dipped in water over the eyes for a few minutes can provide relief and decrease the swelling. Chilled cucumber slices may be beneficial.