Sore Eyes

I just want to share some sore eyes faqs and prevention for you not to experience the eye pain I have right now.

I went to family gathering last Sunday; two of my cousins have sore eyes.
Tuesday, I was at work my eyes started to itch and my right eye was teary.
I was advised by my supervisor to wash it by Johnson’s no tears baby body wash.

I dropped by nearby Mercury drug and got one. I washed my eyes and applied eye-mo eye drops. My heartache was over but I couldn’t stop my tears flowing. My eyes are getting smaller, itchy and red.
My sister won’t let me go inside the apartment, told me to stay in the bathroom for a week and wear goggles. My sadista friend told me to put agua oxinada in my eyes or squeeze calamansi in it. They don’t love me.

I decided to go to the hospital. It was raining; I wore my big shades and the people I passed by were all looking to me. Maybe they were thinking I’m weird, funny or crazy. I just told myself. Who cares? Eh ano ngayon nakashades ako kahit umuulan, Anong nakakatawa?,Hawahan ko kayo ng sore eyes eh.

Dr. Alvin, an ophthalmologist in Makati Medical Center diagnosed it was viral conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is the medical term that describes an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white of your eyes (sclera). This membrane produces mucus to coat and lubricate the surface of the eye. When the conjunctiva becomes irritated, the blood vessels enlarge making the eye appear red in color. The three common types of conjunctivitis are: viral, allergic and bacterial.

 He recommended me an eye drop to be applied 4 times a day. He told me to self quarantine myself for 3-5 days.

Sore eyes is very contagious. You can acquire this through hand-to-eye contact .If you touch anything the infected person had contact and you lay your hands in your eyes , in 2-3 days you will be infected. The recovery period is 7-10 days.

I woke up this morning that I can’t open my eyes, very painful like there are sands inside, feels like falling when I look down. It’s very early to wear shades but I have to because I can’t stand the light.

I got here some article that will really help.

FAQs about sore eyes
By: Department of Health
September 13, 2004

Are your eyes red? Are your eyes difficult to open in the morning because of water-like discharges? Do you feel some discomfort? If you notice any of these symptoms, you might be suffering from sore eyes. The Department of Health has recently issued an alert on sore eyes. Below are some of the frequently asked questions.

What is sore eyes?
Sore eyes is a common term for an inflammation of the thin covering of the eyeball and the inner eyelid brought about by a viral infection which may be highly contagious.

How does sore eyes spread?

Sore eyes can spread by contact of contaminated hands with the eyes (hand-to-eye contact) or through touching of eyes with hands, which got into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also spread through droplets from a person with sore eyes, who also has a runny nose or cough.

What are the signs and symptoms of sore eyes?
* Redness of the eye
* Eye discomfort describing as burning or gritty but not sharp
* Vision is usually normal although smearing particular in waking, maybe common.
* Pain on the eye on exposure to light
* Water-like discharge commonly seen but later eyes maybe difficult to open in the morning, glued together
* Runny nose and sore throat maybe present.

How long does sore eyes last?
Signs and symptoms of sore eyes will peak in three to four days, and patient will be relieved and recover in about 10 to 14 days.

What are the complications of sore eyes?

After a severe and prolonged infection there can be corneal scarring that can result in glare and decreased vision.

Is there a treatment for sore eyes?

Sore eyes, which is of viral origin, is self-limiting. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used upon the advice of a health professional. To relieve the discomfort, warm compress may be applied to the eye 5 to 10 minutes three times a day.

How do you prevent sore eyes?
* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
* Do not touch your eyes and face without washing your hands.
* Do not share towels, eyeglasses/ shades and make up.
* Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best).
* Used make-up must be thrown away if the patient has been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.
* Be careful that tips of eye drops or ointments do not touch the eyes or eyelashes.
* Don’t swim (some bacteria and viruses can be spread in the water).
* Avoid shaking hands.
* Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, counters, elevator buttons, hand rails with dilute bleach solution.
Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.
What should patients with sore eyes do?
* Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
* Use clean tissue to remove discharge from eyes and wash hands afterwards.
* Dispose used tissue in garbage bins. If the latter is not available, keep tissue in a small plastic bag then discard it as soon as you find a garbage bin.
* To prevent irritation of the eye and possible scarring, do not use contact lens while one has sore eyes.
* Do not wear eye make-up until the problem has been resolved.
* Warm compress may be helpful to relieve discomfort and remove "crust."
* Use antibiotic or antiviral medication only upon prescription by the doctor.
* If drops or an ointment is prescribed, the applicator tip and infected eye must never come in contact with each other.
* Especially for persons with sore eyes with runny nose or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other family members or co-workers.

Should I report for work if I have sore eyes?
As much as possible, do not report for work. If circumstances require you to report for work, especially if you have sore eyes accompanied by runny nose and/or cough, stay in a separate room or away from other employees. In workplaces where you mingle or work closely with other employees, it is best to stay at home.


Should I go to school and attend classes if I have sore eyes?
Spread of sore eyes can be hastened by crowding and close contact with other persons thus, those with sore eyes are advised not report to school.

Until when should one be absent from work or school?
Until the symptoms have resolved and until there is no discharge from the eyes.