Have you or a loved one experienced eye discomfort with signs such as swelling, redness in both eyes, persistent pain, or a yellowish discharge from the eyes? These are common signs of pink eye infection. In this article we explain the causes, things you can do to prevent pink eye infection. We have also provided information on how one can access free treatment in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.
Pink Eye also known as conjunctivitis is an eye condition that causes itchiness discomfort and swelling of the thin clear layer of the skin that protects the eyes. This part of the eye is known as the conjunctiva, hence the name conjunctivitis. The infection is caused by viruses, bacteria, and when your eyes get’s into contact with substances that cause allergic reactions. These substances irritate the eyelids making them to become red and swollen.
What are some common symptoms of conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)?
If you or someone close to you is showing some of the following symptoms they could be having Conjunctivitis. The signs and symptoms of the pink eye disease may vary depending on the cause. Other symptoms may occur, and one needs to visit a doctor to make a conclusive diagnosis. The most commons signs are:
- Pink colouration or reddening of the white part of the eye.
- Swelling of the eyelids or the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye.
- Crusting (hard coating) on the eyelids or eye lashes, especially in the morning.
- Discomfort and tending to avoid light or have teary eyes whenever in well-lit places
- Eye discharge (pus or mucus) that may be clear, yellow, white, or green.
- Itchiness, irritation, or a feeling of burning of the eye.
- Feeling like something is in the eye or an urge to rub the eye.
How is Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Spread?
According to the Center for Disease, viral and bacterial pink eye infections can spread easily through physical contact with an infected person or surfaces. It also spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Some of the ways that one can get infected with Conjunctivitis include close personal contact e.g.
- Touching your eye after touching the eye discharge of an infected person without properly washing your hands.
- Shaking hands, hugging, or close contact with someone who has pink eye.
- Touching surfaces and objects that have germs and then touching your eyes before washing your hands.
- Sharing contaminated objects like towels, washcloths, tissues, eye makeup, or contact lens cases can transfer or spread the bacteria.
- Contact with droplets from infected coughs and sneezes.
How to prevent conjunctivitis infections.
Healthcare professionals recommend that we take measures to help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis in our homes and communities. While the infections are treatable, there is no vaccine to prevent the pink eye disease. Practicing good hygiene and seeking early treatment are some of the best ways to prevent getting or spreading pink eye.
If you have pink eye, practice the following measures to prevent spreading the diseases:
Keep your eyes clean:
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. Clean any discharge from around your eye's multiple times a day with a clean, wet piece of cloth or handkerchief.
- Wash the used cloth or discard the used cotton balls immediately.
- If you use contact lenses, you should stop wearing them until symptoms resolve or your eye doctor advises it is safe.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water before and after cleaning or applying the eyedrops recommended by your doctor for your infected eye or helping someone with infected eye. You can sanitize your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.
- Wash pillowcases, sheets, washcloths, and towels frequently in hot water and detergent/soap. Wash your hands after handling these items.
- Avoid close contact with others and consider staying home from work or school until symptoms improve.
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper, handkerchief or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue paper/wash the handkerchief properly washing your hands immediately after.
If you are around someone with pink eye:
- Wash hands often.
Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you have contact with an infected person or their items. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do Not Share Personal Items.
Avoid sharing pillows, pillowcases, washcloths, towels, eye drops, makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses, storage cases, or eyeglasses.
Is conjunctivitis treatable?
Yes, conjunctivitis is treatable.
Please visit a health facility as soon as you suspect you have contracted or have been exposed to someone with conjunctivitis. Taking precautions, early diagnosis and proper treatment from a healthcare professional can help prevent infection, ensure a speedy recovery and prevent complications.
It is important to note that pink eye usually goes away within a few days without the use of any medicine. However, it is important that you seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms along with pink eye:
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision that does not improve after wiping away discharge
- Intense eye redness
- Worsening or persistent symptoms
- Bacterial pink eye that does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
- A weakened immune system
Promptly consulting a healthcare provider in these cases ensures appropriate treatment and prevents complications.
If you experience any of the above symptoms you can visit the following IRC Health Facilities in Kakuma and Dadaab for treatment:
| HEALTH FACILITY | LOCATION |
|
1. Kaapoka Health Centre / Main Hospital | Kakuma 1 |
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2. Lochangamor Dispensary / Clinic 4 | Kakuma 1 |
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3. Hong-Kong Dispensary / Clinic 2 | Kakuma 1 |
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4. Nalemsekon Dispensary/ Clinic 5 | Kakuma 2 |
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5. Nationokor Dispensary / Clinic 6 | Kakuma 3 |
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6. Ammusait General Hospital / Clinic 7 | Kakuma 4 |
|
7. IRC Main Hospital | Hagadera |
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8. Health post L6 | Hagadera |
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9. Health post E6 | Hagadera |
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