Eye Flu: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Eye flu affects about 6 million people worldwide annually and ranks among the most common eye conditions globally. Viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, and environmental irritants can all cause eye flu, which the medical community knows as conjunctivitis. This blog covers everything about eye flu. You will learn about its symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent it.

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu, or conjunctivitis, happens when the conjunctiva gets inflamed. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that protects the white part of your eye and the inner eyelids. This protective layer plays several vital roles. It shields your eyes from foreign objects and keeps them properly lubricated.

Eye flu shows up in different ways based on why it happens. People often think it is just one condition, but it comes in several types of infections and inflammatory responses. You will find three main types of eye flu:

• Viral Conjunctivitis - Caused by adenoviruses and enteroviruses
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis - Triggered by organisms like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus
• Allergic Conjunctivitis - Results from exposure to environmental irritants

Eye Flu Symptoms

Your eyes will show the first warning signs through changes in how they look and feel. 

• Blood vessels in the conjunctiva expand and make the eyes look red.
• You might feel constant itching or irritation that feels like sand in your eyes.
• Eye flu makes your eyes water more than usual. 
• Yellow or greenish sticky rosy discharge that makes your matting of lashes together
• Swollen eyelids, Matting of lashes, most noticeable when you wake up
• Pain or discomfort, foreign body sensation when you blink
• Eyes that become sensitive to bright light
• The vision can get blurry temporarily if severely infected or not taking proper treatment for a long time. 

Eye Flu Causes and Risk Factors 

Eye flu develops due to various factors that range from infections to environmental conditions. These involve:

• Viral infections, especially adenoviruses, spread quickly through respiratory droplets or when someone touches infected eye secretions
• Bacterial infections are the second most common cause. The main bacteria responsible are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. 
• The body's immune system creates non-infectious eye flu through allergic reactions when the conjunctiva meets specific allergens. These allergens include:
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Dust mites
  • Mould spores
• Smoke, air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and harsh chemicals can irritate the eyes' conjunctiva. 
• People who wear contact lenses face extra risks, especially when they don't properly handle or clean them.
• Kids are more likely to catch it because they spend time in close contact at school. 
• People with weak immune systems can easily get both viral and bacterial forms. 
• Living in crowded or unclean environments also increases your risk of infection.
• Babies can develop a special type called neonatal conjunctivitis during birth. 

Complications of Eye Flu

Untreated bacterial conjunctivitis can be risky. The eye infection can spread beyond the conjunctiva and affect the cornea, which leads to keratitis. Vision problems can be temporary or permanent. Severe cases show these signs:

• Blurred or reduced vision because of inflammation
• Rare cases of permanent eye damage
• Vision loss if bacterial infections go untreated

Diagnosis

A physical examination serves as the primary tool to diagnose eye flu. Doctors perform detailed eye check up with specialised equipment slit lamp examination. Doctors ask patients to read letters or symbols from 20 feet away while covering each eye. They might also use fluorescein dye to spot any eye surface damage.

Lab testing is needed in some cases. Doctors take samples of eye discharge with cotton swabs to test cultures, especially when:

• Symptoms last more than two to three weeks
• The condition seems unusually severe
• Something might be stuck in the eye
• Doctors suspect serious bacterial infections
• There's a chance of sexually transmitted infections

Eye Flu Treatment

Medications:

• Doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to treat bacterial infections. 
• Antiviral medications help in severe cases of viral conjunctivitis. 
• Antihistamine flu care eye drops help control allergic eye flu by reducing irritation and redness.

Eye flu home remedy: Here are the basic home care steps you need:

• Clean clothes with warm compresses on the affected eyes
• Over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate
• Regular hand washing
• No contact lenses until symptoms go away
• Clean the affected area without irritants

When to See a Doctor

You need to see a doctor when:

• Immediately when notice redness, itching watering, sticky discharge or any one symptoms. 
• Your symptoms last more than a week or get worse despite home care even after taking treatment.
• You develop other symptoms like fever or chills
• Eye discharge turns thick and coloured
• Swelling increases by a lot
• Light sensitivity becomes intense

Prevention

Good hygiene is the cornerstone of preventing eye flu infections. 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching your eyes or face.
• Never touch or rub your eyes with unwashed hands 
• Use fresh, single-use tissues or towels to clean your face
• Don't share personal items like towels, eye makeup, or contact lenses
• Clean your contact lenses regularly
• Keep your eyewear clean and disinfected
• Stay away from polluted water sources
• Clean your hands thoroughly before handling lenses 
• Your eyes need protection from environmental factors
• Wear Protective eyewear during swimming 
• Use sunglasses to protect against dust, pollen, and harmful UV rays outdoors.
• To strengthen your eye health, eat a diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Conclusion

Eye flu can be managed easily if caught early and treated correctly. Millions of people get it worldwide, but most recover within two weeks with proper care.

People who know about eye flu's symptoms and prevention tips can better protect themselves and others. Regular eye exams, good hygiene, and fast treatment can lead to quick recovery and fewer complications.

FAQs

1. How long does eye flu last?

Eye flu duration depends on its type and how you treat it. Viral conjunctivitis usually goes away in 7-10 days. Bacterial infections clear up within a week with antibiotic treatment. Allergic eye flu symptoms last as long as you are exposed to allergens.

2. How does eye flu spread?

The eye flu infection spreads through direct or indirect contact with infected eye secretions. You can catch eye flu through:

• Direct contact with infected people
• Using contaminated items like towels or pillows
• Touching infected surfaces like door handles
• Exposure to carriers such as mosquitoes and flies

3. Can eye flu harm your vision?

Eye flu rarely causes vision damage. However, severe infections left untreated might lead to vision problems. Medical attention becomes vital if your symptoms get worse or last longer than expected.

4. Is it safe to wash my eyes during eye flu?

Gentle eye cleaning helps control symptoms. You can use a clean, damp cotton ball/tissue wipe to discharge around your eyes. Don't rub infected eyes as this could worsen the condition or spread infection. Do not reuse the tissue once used should be thrown away.

Dr. Amitesh Satsangi