If conjunctivitis is not treated, it can leave lifelong marks on the eye

Experts warn individuals showing symptoms of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease, which presents with slight redness in the eyes followed by discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and increasingly severe redness, to see an eye doctor.

Conjunctivitis is defined as the inflammation of the layer that covers the white and transparent part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (the conjunctiva). Normally transparent, the conjunctiva turns pink or red when inflammation occurs. Medicana Konya Hospital Eye Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. Lütfi Seyrek stated that conjunctivitis is transmitted through contact, saying, “When an infected person touches their eye and then touches another surface, if you touch the same surface and then make contact with your eye, unfortunately, it can spread to us as well.”

“It is a significant virus that can leave marks on the eye surface and cause vision impairment and blurriness.”

Stating that adenoviral conjunctivitis occurs due to a virus called adenovirus, Eye Diseases Specialist Op. Dr. Lütfi Seyrek explained, “In our patients, it typically presents with slight redness in the eyes on the first day, followed by discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and increasing severity of redness. Especially after the pandemic, outbreaks of adenoviruses have increased. It is more frequently seen in communal living spaces, such as daycare centers where our children go. The most crucial factor in this infection is actually external transmission. There is no airborne transmission. It usually spreads through contact. When an infected individual touches their eye and then touches another surface, and you also touch that same surface and make contact with your eye, unfortunately, it can spread to us. This virus can actually last a long time; complete recovery can sometimes take up to a month, and it is a significant virus that can leave marks on the eye surface and cause vision impairment and blurriness. Therefore, if anyone in the house starts experiencing redness in their eye, which intensifies over a few days, accompanied by swelling of the eyelids and excessive redness, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor diagnoses adenovirus, they will start treatment with appropriate medications immediately.”

“We achieve successful results with early treatment of this virus.”

Pointing out certain precautions to be taken at home, Op. Dr. Lütfi Seyrek stated, “We need to wash our hands with soap and water every time we touch our eyes. We should eliminate the use of shared towels. Such practices can lead to outbreaks at home. Usually, we see cases where an infected family member, or after our children go to daycare, spreads it to other family members. We achieve successful results with early treatment of this virus. However, if our patients come to us late, or if they leave permanent marks on the eye surface depending on the individuals’ immune systems, these permanent marks can last a lifetime. This can lead to astigmatism and vision blurriness in patients. Therefore, if we suspect such a situation, we should consult an eye doctor as soon as possible.”