SORE EYES – CONJUNCTIVITIS

Sore eyes is the layman term for conjunctivitis. Also called as ‘red eyes .

The conjunctiva is the layer covering the human eyeballs. The infection of conjunctiva is called as conjunctivitis. But the conjunctivitis can be due to -

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Tuberculosis
• Simple allergy
• After injury to the eyeballs due to fights.

But the sore eyes are commonly due to bacterial conjunctivitis. The common bacteria causing the infection is staphylococcus.

Symptoms are – Redness and watering of eyes. Sensation as if some foreign object in the eye which makes difficulty in opening the eyes. Discharge from eyes causes sticking of eyelids at night during sleep. Unable to tolerate the light. Sometimes the eye symptoms may be associated with the fever.

Treatment –

• Eyes should be washed with warm water.
• Other family members should avoid contact with the patient.
• Should use separate handkerchief, napkins, clothes, etc as it is highly contagious.
• Doctors prescribe some antibiotic eye drops which can be used 3-4 times a day.
• Along with patient, family members should also use the eye drops as prophylactic treatment