Eye pain can cause a variety of complaints that interfere with, such as red eyes, itching, pain, to vision problems. Some types of eye pain can be transmitted through physical contact. Know the characteristics of this disease and how to avoid transmission .
Some eye pain is not contagious so the sufferer can keep on doing activities as long as his vision is still functioning properly. But there are several types of eye pain that make sufferers advised to postpone activities in the office or at school, so that other people are not infected.
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmic
Not many know that the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles or snake chickenpox, can also cause eye pain called ophthalmic herpes zoster. This condition can occur in people who have had chickenpox when they were children. Some conditions that can be symptoms of herpetic eye pain include:
- Red eye.
- Severe pain in the eye or around one eye is accompanied by swelling.
- Redness and pain in the eyelids. Sometimes to the tip of the nose.
- Sensitive to light.
Herpes S impulse tightitis
This eye disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 which causes infection in the cornea. The cornea becomes foggy and swollen. This virus is the same as the cause of herpes sores on the mouth and lips. Symptoms that can be felt include:
- Red eye.
- Pain in the eyes or around one eye.
- Tears that keep coming out.
- The eyes feel dirty.
- The eyes feel sore when you see the light
After infection, the herpes virus will stay in the nerve fibers without causing interference. But if the immune system is weakening, this herpetic disease can reappear. Its appearance begins with moving or developing these viruses.
Transmission of herpes simplex virus 1 can occur through direct contact with patients, such as kisses from family members who suffer from herpes on the lips or cold sores . In one third of cases, people who have experienced this disease will be attacked again, because the virus can reactivate. If it occurs in newborns, this disease can attack the central nervous system in the brain and endanger the lives of babies.
This disease can be treated with topical drugs (external drugs) applied to the eyelids, oral antiviral drugs (oral medications), or corticosteroid eye drops to relieve inflammation. If not treated immediately, over time this disease can cause a decrease in the quality of vision.
Conjunctivitis by Bacteria, Viruses, and Chlamydia
Conjunctivitis or also called pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin tissue that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. Dust allergy, irritation from shampoo, or smoke can cause conjunctivitis. Infectious conjunctivitis is caused by viruses (such as influenza or herpes viruses) and bacteria (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea ). This conjunctivitis due to bacteria and viruses can spread easily from the patient to another person. In infections of newborns, this disease can cause dangerous visual disturbances.
Pay attention to the following symptoms to detect the possibility of you or your child experiencing conjunctivitis:
- Eyes are more runny than usual.
- The white area of the eye becomes red.
- The eyes feel itchy or sore.
- More sensitive to light.
- Vision becomes more blurry or blurred.
Ways that can be done to avoid worsening of these symptoms, among others by avoiding the use of makeup and contact lenses , protect eyes from dust with glasses, and consult an ophthalmologist to get treatment with eye drops , eye ointments, or oral medications , according to the cause of conjunctivitis.
To prevent or reduce the risk of conjunctivitis transmission, here are some ways you can do:
- Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap.
- Avoid touching eyes that are infected.
- Rinse the watery eyes for a while using fine tissue or cotton. Discard the cotton or tissue immediately and rinse your hands again with warm water and soap.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses and face makeup, let alone share makeup with others.
- Avoid sharing eye drops and sharing using other objects, such as towels or glasses.
- It is recommended to take a break at home first while the disease has not recovered.
Conjunctivitis or pink eye will generally improve in 3-7 days. This disease can be transmitted to others as long as the complaint is still felt. If you feel symptoms in the eye, especially the eyes feel pain or impaired vision, do not hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist so that the cause can be identified and given appropriate treatment.