The reported high cases of Red eyes infection in Gulu District are on a decline according to authorities.
The Gulu District Health Officer Dr. Paul Onek tells TheUgandan that a majority of the presumed victims had been declared infection free after last week’s confirmatory tests. A sample of fifty-four out of seventy people suspected to be infected were on Wednesday tested and found healthy by health facilitators at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Onek said.
Red eye is caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels on the sclera, the white outer surface of the eye.
Symptoms of the infection include eye pain, itching, eye discharge, swollen eyes and blurry vision. However, the infection has been known to present with no symptoms at all which makes it a diagnostic nightmare for medical officials. The disease also mimics symptoms of allergies and eye injuries such as bloodshot eyes.
William Onyayi the District Health Educator says the disease can spread easily if not treated immediately and can be cured and advised people to frequently wash their hands in order to control red eyes.
Causes of Red Eye
Environmental Pollution: One of the most common causes of red eyes is allergens and irritants present in the environment such as pollen, dust, wind, dry air etc.
Lack of Sleep: People who do not get enough sleep will also experience red eyes.
Eye infections: Eye infections and inflammations can cause red eyes, as well as other symptoms such as itching, discharge, pain, and blurred vision.
Lack of clean contact lens: Improper care or use of contact lenses can cause redness in eyes.
Symptom of some disease: Red eyes can be like a symptom which indicates a more serious problem such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, scleritis, or acute glaucoma. If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as discharge or pain associated with the redness, you should schedule an appointment with your eye-care professional or primary care doctor right away to see if one of these conditions is present.
