Eye Flu: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Dr.Prashaant Chaudhry, 3 mins read

Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis and pink eye, is an eye infection that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent layer covering the eyes' white part and the eyelid's inner surface.

Usually, it is caused by viruses, bacteria and allergens. Adenovirus is the most common one. It spreads through direct contact with the liquid draining from the infected person’s eye.

The infection causes a range of eye symptoms, including discomfort, redness, watery discharge and irritation, making daily activities difficult. Thus, it’s important to be aware of this disease. Here is a complete guide about conjunctivitis to help you make informed decisions. 

Symptoms

• The white part of the eye may appear pink or red
• A sensation of itchiness or burning in the eyes
• Increased tear production
• Watery or mucus-like discharge, which may crust over the eyelids during sleep
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Puffiness around the eyes

Prevention

Eye flu is more common during monsoon season in India. This is due to increased humidity, allergens and contaminated water. So, always wash or sanitise your hands before touching your face or eyes in the rainy season.

If someone at your home or work has conjunctivitis, avoid sharing your makeup, contact lenses, towels or any other personal item with them. Limit close contact with them until they properly heal. Moreover, frequently disinfect surfaces that may harbour infection or allergens.

Treatment

With proper treatment and follow-up with an ophthalmologist, eye flu usually resolves in a few days to a week. Your doctor may advise you on the following strategies for speedy recovery:

• Apply cold compresses on your eyes for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day. This may ease your swelling and provide relief from itching.
• Use prescribed lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness and irritation
• Take prescribed antihistamines if allergies are a contributing factor
• Avoid contact lenses until your symptoms resolve

When to seek medical attention?

Always consult an experienced and trusted ophthalmologist whenever you experience eye flu symptoms. Even if you have mild symptoms, don’t self-medicate. An untreated or improperly treated conjunctivitis can worsen your existing symptoms and may cause harmful effects on your eyes. So, it’s best to consult an ophthalmologist soon after you notice the symptoms.

At Aakash Healthcare, we have a specialised Department for Ophthalmology that deals with both adult and paediatric eye care. With a team of experienced ophthalmologists and cutting-edge technology, we have developed expertise in treating mild to complex eye problems with a high satisfaction rate. Consult our experts now!