30% consultations for conjunctivitis

Eyes require special care in the summer season. Teresa Sanchez-Minge, Head of the ophthalmology department Hospital Vitas Valencia October 9 and Vitas Valencia Consueloindicates the importance of correct diagnosis for any strange symptomatology and prevention, so as not to catch infectious diseases of the eyes on the beaches and in the pools.

According to the professional, “Infections increase significantly in summer because are more exposed to the sun and are more likely to come into contact with sea water and swimming pools. Therefore, just as we take steps to protect our skin from the sun’s rays, we must protect the health of our eyes. Salt, chlorine, or other chemicals cause irritation, redness, and dryness. In the eyes”.

Most common infection

One of the most common eye infections is conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue that covers the inside of the eyelid and the white of the eye. “This inflammation makes the blood vessels more visible, which gives the eye a pink color, accompanied by symptoms ranging from itching or burning, to swelling of the eyelids, excessive salivation, excessive tearing, photosensitivity and even unpleasant symptoms. feeling of sand in the eyes. Actually, 30 percent of visits to our office during the summer are associated with conjunctivitis“says the doctor.

The importance of proper treatment by a professional is key because “even if it’s mild, if it doesn’t heal well, it can lead to keratitis or an ulcer,” says the professional. In addition, there various types of conjunctivitis. On one side allergic This mainly concerns people who are prone to seasonal allergies and who come into contact with substances that cause eye reactions, such as chlorine or environmental pollution. There is also bacterial infectious which in most cases is transmitted by bacteria present in the skin itself or the respiratory system. And finally viral infectious Refers to the common cold, which is usually spread through sneezing from people with respiratory infections.

Depending on the cause of conjunctivitis choice of treatment. “If it’s caused Viral infectionrecommended accommodation only from cold wet compresses to relieve discomfort. Although there is no specific treatment, in some cases eye drops are needed to avoid bacterial superinfection. If the conjunctivitis is bacterial, the ophthalmologist should prescribe administration of antibiotic drops. And this allergicJust drops that relieve itching and swelling “says the specialist.

Prevention becomes essential

The degree of contagiousness of conjunctivitis is very high, so prevention is necessary. “To avoid this, it is best to protect your eyes with goggles avoid contact with irritants. Possibility of infections conjunctival drops significantly if approved goggles are used swimming, as they protect the eyes from salt, chlorine and possible bacteria present in the water.”

Is impractical than people who wear contact lenses wear them at beaches and pools while swimming“Fine prevent bacteria from getting between the eye and the lenssince direct contact with the cornea can create oxygenation conditions that favor fungal, protozoan, and bacterial infections“, he notes. “One solution is to replace them with prescription swimming goggles,” he explains.

Extreme hygiene is essential to avoid infection: Wash your hands constantly, don’t rub your eyes, don’t share towels or sheets, and don’t use someone else’s makeup.