Explainer: Understanding red eye disease spreading fast in Coast region

Health officials in Kilifi and Mombasa counties have called on residents to be cautious after increased cases of 'red eye' disease were reported in the Coast region.

This has seen learners in the Coast region flocking to various health facilities to seek medical care for eye infections.

It is believed that the 'red eye' or 'pink eye' disease infections might have spread from neighbouring Tanzania.

Last week, Tanzania health authorities issued an alert over an outbreak of red eye disease in the country.

The country's health ministry raised an alert that the disease, also known as conjunctivitis, had affected quite a number of the population.

But do you understand what the infection is, causes, symptoms and how to treat yourself at home should you get infected?

The condition and common causes

Conjunctivitis, also known as 'red eye' or 'pink eye' is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. 

It is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies and usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

Health experts note that the most common causes are viruses, bacteria and allergens but chemicals, foreign bodies in the eye like loose eyelashes and indoor and outdoor air pollution caused by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors are other causes.

UK’s National Health Service (NHS) says the condition usually affects both eyes and makes them red, burn or feel gritty, producing pus that sticks to lashes, itch or watery.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis because some symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.

CDC notes that viral conjunctivitis (caused by a virus) can be very contagious and sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis (infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria) is more common in kids than adults but says children with conjunctivitis without fever or behavioral changes can usually continue going to school.

Allergic conjunctivitis on the other hand is the result of the body’s reaction to allergens, such as pollen from trees, plants, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, molds, dander from pets, medicines or cosmetics.

Not contagious

CDC says that even though it is not contagious, it occurs more frequently among people with other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma and eczema.

“Conjunctivitis caused by irritants can occur when contact lenses are worn longer than recommended or not cleaned properly,” CDC says.

According to the online medical site Mayo Clinic, pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and eyeball.

When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they're more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.

“Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision. Treatments can help ease the discomfort of pink eye,” the site says.

“Because pink eye can be contagious, getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread,” it adds.

Home remedy on how to treat it

To treat conjunctivitis yourself, NHS recommends that you boil water and let it cool down before you gently wipe your eyelashes to clean off crusts with a clean cotton wool pad; one piece for each eye.

You are then supposed to hold a cold flannel on your eyes for a few minutes to cool them down.

You are also advised to wash your hands regularly with warm soapy water, wash your pillowcases and face cloths in hot water and detergent cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and put used tissues in the bin to avoid spreading conjunctivitis to other people.

You are further advised to speak to a healthcare professional especially if the case involves a child less than two years.