RED EYE - Common Medical Advice

General Information

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "Red-eye", is an inflammation of the membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. The consistency of possible discharge may range from watery to purulent (pus-like), depending on the specific cause of conjunctivitis. The common cause involves the introduction of either bacterial or viral microorganisms into the eye. These may be transmitted to the eye by contaminated hands, washcloths or towels, cosmetics (particularly eye makeup), false eyelashes, or extended wear contacts. It is not uncommon tor minor conjunctivitis to accompany a viral cold or flu. Although bacterial and some of the viral infections (particularly herpes) are not very common, they are potentially serious. Both types of infection are contagious irritants are another cause of conjunctivitis. Offenders of this type include air pollutants, smoke, soap, hairspray, makeup, chlorine, cleaning fluids, etc. Lastly, some individuals acquire conjunctivitis due to a seasonal allergic response to grass and other pollens. It usually takes from a few days to 2 weeks for most types of conjunctivitis to clear. Conjunctivitis due to an allergy may continue as long as the offending pollen is present.

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching
• Redness
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Swelling of the lids and/or discharge from the eyes
• Reduced visual acuity
• Ciliary flush
• Conjunctival hyperemia
• Corneal opacification
• Corneal epithelial disruption
• Pupillary abnormalities

Advice to the Customers

• Stay away from substances that irritate the eye, such as smoke, dust, cosmetics, and chlorine in Swimming pools, especially if these are factors known to aggravate the condition
• Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your eyes in order to reduce or prevent decontamination 
• Avoid rubbing of the eyes to decrease irritation of the area
• Throw away or carefully wash items that touch your eyes
• Rubbing can cause a more severe infection or prolongation of the condition. Use a clean tissue paper if rubbing is necessary
• Avoid touching other people's eyes Do not share eye makeup or other items used on their eyes (for example, towels, or tissues)
• Apply cool compresses to the infected eye(s) 34 times per day for 1015 minutes using a clean washcloth each time. This should help reduce itching and swelling and provide some comfort.
• Contact lens should be removed before applying eye drops
• Do not wear contact lens if an eye infection is present
• Wear goggles when working in an area where metal is cut or where the work area has wood shavings or splinters

Prèscription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e. name of the medication, frequency
• of dosage etc.
• In cases where the red-eye is severe, instruct the patient to consult a physician
• Discuss advice to the customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of red-eye.