Sections of our country have been plagued with an increase of conjunctivitis. This state of affairs has been observed by the Public Health Ministry and according to Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle such a situation is not at all unexpected since it is known to be seasonal. She noted that an increase of red eye could put pressure on the treatment available and thus some centres [and pharmacies] could quickly have their stock depleted.
Conjunctivitis, which is commonly referred to as ‘red eye’ or ‘pink eye’, is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It is said to be common eye disease. A part from redness its symptoms may include; inching, burning, pain, cloudiness, sensitivity to light, wateriness, among others.
While home remedies such as washing with warm salt water at the onset of symptoms have reportedly help to prevent development of the condition, it is always important to visit the nearest health centre or hospital to seek medical attention in order to be properly diagnosed and treated.
It is likely that your local health care provider will recommend an antibiotic treatment once it has been confirmed that you are suffering from ‘red eye.’ However it is recommended by some experts to let the condition run its course since it is usually self-limiting and should pass with a week or two at the most.