Apart from colds and flu, eye infections where the eyes become red and itchy are highly contagious in environments like schools, offices, or daycare centers. It is said that just by looking into someone's infected eyes, you can get infected too. Let's find out the truth.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye), a highly contagious eye disease

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is the change in the white part of the eye becoming red or pink, along with itching and watery eyes. Conjunctivitis is actually an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball.

When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become inflamed, the white part of the eye appears red or pink.Conjunctivitis is caused by bacterial, viral, or allergic reactions. If a viral or bacterial infection is the root cause of the red eye, it can spread quickly.

How is the transmission of conjunctivitis?

Red eye (conjunctivitis) caused by bacterial or viral infections can be contagious, while red eye resulting from an allergic reaction is not.

The transmission is similar to that of other viruses or bacteria. The incubation period is usually about 24-72 hours after exposure to the virus or bacteria.

Transmission of red eye occurs when touching surfaces contaminated with the virus or bacteria and then touching the eyes without washing hands first. The bacteria causing red eyes can even live on surfaces for over 8 hours or several days. No wonder red eye spreads easily in schools or daycare centers.

The infection can also spread through direct contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sneezing, or coughing. The risk of red eye also increases if you do not maintain proper hygiene with contact lenses.

Do you need to see a doctor if you have conjunctivitis?

Red eyes caused by a viral infection will usually heal on their own within a few days or weeks without treatment. However, red eyes due to bacterial infections may require treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

You should see a doctor if you experience the following conditions:

• Red eyes with continuous watery discharge
• Red eyes accompanied by yellow-greenish discharge from the eyes
• Eyelids sticking together and being difficult to open in the morning
• Experience pain, especially when exposed to bright light
• Frequent recurring red eye infections
• Red eyes accompanied by high fever, facial pain, chills, and worsening vision

Untreated red eyes can permanently damage your vision. Do not delay seeing a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.

If you need other medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store

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