PINKEYE

Conjunctivitis also known as pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (a thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids). Children get it more often than adults and it is highly contagious (can spread easily).

It can be caused by a Virus, Bacteria, Irritants (such as dirt, smoke, and shampoos), Allergic reaction to substances such as drugs, and Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Pregnant women with Gonorrhoea or chlamydia can pass pinkeye to their babies through the birth canal when delivering.

Symptoms include redness of the eye, swollen conjunctiva, excessive tearing, thick yellow discharge that crust over the eye lashes especially after sleep, green or white discharges from the eye, itchy eyes, blurred vision, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Pinkeye is treatable hence the need to report to the hospital when you experience any of these symptoms.

You can relieve the symptoms at home by washing your hands regularly, keeping your eyes clean, changing your pillow case every day, wearing sun glasses, protecting the eye from dirt, avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye and avoid wearing eye makeups.

Diet lacking in Vitamins A and B predisposes you to dryness of the conjunctiva and aggravates conjunctivitis. It is therefore important to increase intake of food like mango, orange, sweet potatoes, squash, cereals, carrots, green beans, green leafy vegetables, and nuts.

Stay healthy