Adenoviral conjunctivitis (Ad-CS), commonly known as ‘pink eye’ or ‘eye cold’, is the main cause of eye infections. Due to inflammation of the transparent membrane tissue that covers the front surface of the eye and the eyelids; problems such as redness, burning, stinging, burring, swelling, pain and blurred vision develop in the eyes.
If delayed in the treatment of conjunctivitis, it can lead to decreased vision and deterioration of the quality of life due to prolonged eye complaints. As a result of easier transmission of the virus due to the increased frequency and contact of indoor environments as the weather cools , weather conditions provide an environment suitable for the proliferation of the virus. increases the incidence of adenoviral conjunctivitis in winter.
Experts warn that the risk of transmission is also very high, as this virus, which is resistant to factors, can survive for a long time in the room ace. can cause irreversible damage to the eye, such as a refractive defect or permanent vision reduction. It can also cause outbreaks and lead to a serious loss of workforce.”
It can start in one eye and move on to the other
Adenoviral conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus, a DNA virus from the family Adenoviridae, in the eyes; a disease caused by inflammation of the transparent membrane tissue that covers the front surface of the eye and the eyelids. Depending on the different subtypes of the virus , the shape of the infection may also change.
For example, if you want to use fever can occur with pharyngitis-related sore throat, rhinitis and swelling of the front of the ear , as well as starting unilaterally only with conjunctivitis, then within 1-3 days He can hold the other eye. Adenovirus infections; ‘infectious’, that is , the first stage where contagion is concentrated and ‘inflammatory’, in other words, the stage where the symptoms due to prolongation of the disease occur, progress in two stages.
In the first stage, which is called infectious, watering and stinging of the eyes, swelling of the lids and sensitivity to light occur. In the continuation of this universe, membrane formation called membrane can be seen in the valves, and the duration of infection can be very long as a result of inadequate and late treatment.
According to Ophthalmologists , in the ethrelatuar stage, stains occur in the transparent layer (cornea) in the front of the eye due to the immune response developed against the virus. Blemishes can persist for months despite treatment and can cause astigmatism-like visual impairment with reduced vision.
The risk of transmission can last up to 3 weeks
Adenovirus is usually transmitted by manual contact of eye fluids and through breathing (droplets). The transmission feature begins during the incubation period 2-10 days before symptoms appear and can last up to 2-3 weeks. The most important factor in the spread of Adenoviral infection is non-compliance with hygiene rules and close contact.
As soon as the patient’s complaints start, he or she should contact the ophthalmologist as soon as possible and be isolated as soon as he is diagnosed, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.
7 effective recommendations against conjunctivitis:
Ophthalmologists explain the rules that prevent the risk of transmission of eye condition and should be considered during the treatment process:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds. Always use disinfectant where it is not possible to wash your hands.
- Do not touch your eyes with your hands, do not rub your eyes.
- Clean the burrs in the eyes with warmed water after boiling.
- Make a habit of changing the pillowcase every day.
- Never interrupt the treatment recommended by your doctor.
- Do not wear eye makeup and do not share the products used in eye makeup with others.
- Do not use products such as towels and napkins with others. Opt for disposable napkin paper towels.
Conjunctivitis treatment
Adenoviral conjunctivitis can last an average of 2 weeks except for patients with very mild symptoms. However, there are also case stories that go back a little months.
The treatment process is:
There is no finalized treatment scheme for adenoviral conjunctivitis. Support treatment is usually applied for the complaint. Washing the eye by the doctor with watered povidon iodine in the early period, preparing it in the form of drops and adding it to the patient’s treatment, and more than antibiotic drops and artificial teardrops getting a good response; the disease is quickly overcome before it lasts.
In adenoviral conjunctivitis in the inflammatory phase, if the spots on the anterior layer of the eye caused vision loss; cortisone-containing drops and cyclosporin containing drip treatment are needed.
With this treatment, vision loss can be eliminated and the patient can see again. Sometimes these spots do not cause vision loss, they are detected by the doctor during eye checks; the patient is treated or monitored. Therefore, it is especially important to check extended cases more than once.