Decreases in our body resistance due to cold weather in winter leave us vulnerable to various diseases, especially flu infections. Recently, there has been an increase in viral conjunctivitis cases due to the adenovirus epidemic in schools and nurseries. Therefore, in addition to increasing the resistance of our body, the protection of our most important sense organs, our eyes, is of great importance in this period.
“THE DISEASE MAY OCCUR IN BOTH EYES”
Ophthalmology and Retina Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil, “Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin surface tissue that covers the white part of the eye or the sclera and covers the inner part of the eyelids. This transparent layer, rich in very fine vessels, also produces and secretes substances that keep the eye moist. Conjunctivitis causes our blood vessels to become larger and more prominent, causing our eyes to appear red. The disease can occur in only one or both eyes at the same time.” said.
“VIRAL AND BACTERIAL CONJUNCTIVITIS EXTREMELY CONTAGIOUS”
Stating that conjunctivitis is divided into 3 different types according to the types that cause it, Pr. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil, “Conjunctivitis occurs due to bacterial, viral and allergic factors. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is very contagious. Viral conjunctivitis is caused by viruses similar to those that cause the common cold. Conjunctivitis, which develops due to viruses, is very long if untreated and can leave permanent scars if it affects the cornea, that is, the glass layer of the eye. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can cause serious damage to our eyes if left untreated. In bacterial type conjunctivitis, yellow and greenish discharge is seen in the eye, but this type is extremely contagious. Bacterial infection can be transmitted to another person by contact with hands or objects that touch the eye. Not paying attention to hand and eye hygiene, crowded environments, and make-up materials with microbes are the most important factors in the formation of the disease. Since it is a very contagious disease, it is very important to consult a doctor without wasting time for treatment.” made the statement.
“OUR EYES ARE OPEN TO ALL EXTERNAL FACTORS”
Underlining that our eyes are a region open to all external factors, Prof. Dr. Göçgil said, “Conjunctivitis makes itself felt with symptoms such as watering, burrs, itching, stinging and redness in the eyes. If the treatment process is not started on time and the disease is not treated, they can become chronic over time. Thanks to our eyelids, airborne dust, soil and microbes are prevented. The opening and closing reflex of our eyelids also provides moistening of the eye surface. However, in some cases, our eyes may not be protected. Some substances that come into contact with our eyes settle on the eye and cause a reaction. For example, allergic conjunctivitis may occur if a person has sensitivity when a dust particle or cat hair reaches the conjunctiva by passing through the eyelids. Allergic conjunctivitis is also known as conjunctivitis and is the most common condition among such allergic diseases. Allergic conjunctivitis, which may cause itching, swelling, redness, watering or burning-stinging in the eyes, should not be confused with other microbial conjunctivitis. Unlike others, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, and the drops that suppress allergy and teardrops that we use in its treatment reduce complaints and symptoms.” used his statements.
RECENTLY, WE HAVE FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED CASE OF ADENOVIRUS DUE VIRAL CONJONCTIVIT”
Referring to the adenovirus cases, which have recently started to increase at the epidemic level, especially in nurseries and schools, Prof. Dr. Göçgil said, “Adenovirus is a virus that infects the respiratory tract and intestinal tract in general, and often manifests itself with symptoms similar to the common cold. Among the most important symptoms of this virus are sore throat, runny nose and eyes, sneezing, headache, cough and fever. Some people may also develop croup or bronchitis due to adenovirus. Recently, we have been frequently encountering viral conjunctivitis cases due to this virus. If no precautions are taken, this long-lasting infection, which can even cause vision loss when it affects the glass layer of the eye, can be transmitted very quickly and can spread rapidly among family members. Severe stinging, burning, swelling, discharge and pain in the eyes may occur. Findings in the eye due to adenovirus can continue for a long time, such as 3-4 weeks, and it deteriorates the quality of life in patients and causes loss of workforce. The risk of transmitting the disease persists for as long as 10 days after the first symptoms appear. During this period, it is very important to pay attention to the hygiene rules, not to touch the eyes without washing the hands, and not to touch anything other than washing the hands after contact with the discharge in the eye. Again, not entering the areas where people live and work together, such as work and school, during this period also reduces the risk of transmission.
EYE CONTACT INCREASE RISK
Reminding that people often wipe their eyes with their hands when tearing, stinging or discomfort is felt in the eyes, Prof. Dr. Nur Acar Göçgil stated that although this behavior seems insignificant for the most part, it prepares the ground for conjunctivitis when performed without washing hands. In case of nasal congestion as a result of viral epidemics, our tears cannot flow easily into the nose, our tears pool and watering occurs in our eyes. When the patient touches his eyes without washing his hands to wipe the watery eyes, the eye becomes open to germs and bacteria. In line with this interaction, unfortunately, the ground for the formation of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is prepared. To prevent this situation, the nose should not be blocked. The nasal congestion of babies and children should be opened by the parents with saline, and the hands should never be contacted with the eyes without washing them. Even if hands-to-eye contact does not result in infection, it poses a risk of allergy. It is useful for those who have had a viral upper respiratory tract disease to remind this when they go to the ophthalmologist. Taking this into account, doctors are assessing the necessary risks.” warned.
