DOH: Hygiene top defense vs sore eyes

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to practice proper hand hygiene to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis or sore eyes, which is most common during this time of the year.

The health department described sore eyes as ‘redness and inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the inner parts of the eyelids.’

A person with sore eyes usually experiences itching and redness of the eyes, presence of watery pus-like discharge, pain upon exposure to sunlight, and eyelid discomfort.

The infection usually lasts from 5 to 12 days, the DOH said.

The health department said that there is no specific treatment for sore eyes during its acute phase of at least one to two weeks.

“If eye discharge is profuse and pus-like or patient develops blurring vision or severe pain, consult with an ophthalmologist,” the DOH reminded.

To prevent sore eyes, the DOH recommends frequent and proper handwahsing, minimizing hand-to-eye contact, use own personal items such as towels, make-up, sunglasses and eyedrops, disinfecting of materials usually touched by hands, and washing clothes, pillow cases, and anything else which may have contact with a person infected with sore eyes.