ALERT: Red-eye Disease Breakout in Siaya, Take the Following Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Red-eye Disease medically known as conjunctivitis has broken out in Siaya. Over the past few days, there has been growing concern about the increasing cases of red-eye infections reported in medical facilities throughout Siaya County.

The Department of Health now acknowledges that there’s an outbreak of the disease and also steps have been put in place to control its spread.

So what is red-eye disease and should residents of Siaya County panic over its spread?

Characterized by the telltale redness of the eye, this condition, formally known as conjunctivitis is sometimes painless. The problem is that it is highly contagious and can be spread by the shaking of hands or even the sharing of cutlery in hotels.

Causes of red-eye disease

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 Red-eye disease is caused by viruses, bacteria, and allergens.

Bacterial infections, notably strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, contribute to the initiation of conjunctivitis. Additionally, irritants like smoke, dust, or chemicals can trigger the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear layer covering the white part of the eye.

Symptoms of the red eye disease:
Identifying the red eye disease hinges on recognizing its distinctive symptoms. The most apparent sign is, unsurprisingly, the redness of the eye due to blood vessels becoming dilated and inflamed.

Beyond the obvious discolouration, individuals may experience itching, a gritty sensation, excessive tearing, and pain.
The eyes may discharge a watery or mucous-like substance, leading to the formation of crusts, particularly after sleep. Sensitivity to light can also accompany the condition, intensifying the discomfort.

Occasionally, some patients may experience blurred vision, headaches, and a runny nose.
Treatment and prevention of Red Eye disease:
Red-eye has no specific treatment as it usually disappears one to two weeks after the patient has been infected.

However, preventive measures can be adopted to prevent the spread and escalation of the disease and there’s no cause for panic. Previously an outbreak has been reported in Kisii, Kilifi, Nairobi, Mombasa and now Siaya.

Below are the measures to prevent red eye disease:
*Regularly wash hands with soap and water.
*Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes.
*Avoid touching the face.
*Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and makeup kits.
*Because it’s contagious, cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing.
*In environments where irritants like dust, chemicals, or smoke abound, wearing protective eyewear can serve as a formidable shield.
*If you are prone to allergies, promptly address allergic reactions with antihistamines or other prescribed medications.

Below is a medical synopsis of red-eye infection.

Background
A red eye is a cardinal sign of ocular inflammation, which can result from many conditions. Subconjunctival hemorrhage  (defined as blood between the conjunctiva and the sclera) is usually not secondary to inflammation. Most cases of subconjunctival hemorrhage are benign and can be effectively managed by the primary care provider. The key to management is recognizing cases with underlying disease that require ophthalmologic consultation.

For patient education resources, see the Eye and Vision Center and the Glaucoma Center, as well as Anatomy of the Eye, Pinkeye, Iritis, Subconjunctival Hemorrhage (Bleeding in Eye), Black Eye, and Glaucoma Overview.

Pathophysiology and Etiology
A red eye most often results from dilation of blood vessels in the anterior portion of the eye. Diagnosis may be aided by the differentiation between ciliary and conjunctival injection. Ciliary injection involves branches of the anterior ciliary arteries and indicates inflammation of the cornea, iris, or ciliary body. Conjunctival injection mainly affects the posterior conjunctival blood vessels. Because these vessels are more superficial than the ciliary arteries, they produce more redness, move with the conjunctiva, and constrict with the application of topical vasoconstrictors. 

Numerous conditions may be associated with red eye, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, canaliculitis, corneal injury, dacryocystitis, episcleritis, scleritis, iritis, keratitis, dry eye syndrome (DES; also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca [KCS]), glaucoma, subconjunctival hemorrhage, bacterial or viral infection, or trauma.