Many people are concerned about contracting conjunctivitis if they stand facing or look into the eyes of an infected person. Is this true or false?
Answer:
Conjunctivitis spreads through contact with the eye secretions of an infected person. The disease can be transmitted in various ways, including direct contact with an infected person through talking, hugging, or shaking hands; using contaminated items such as towels, washbasins, pillows, doorknobs, stair buttons, phones, or toys. Additionally, the disease can also spread through contaminated water sources like ponds, lakes, or swimming pools. The habit of rubbing the eyes or touching the nose or mouth also increases the risk of infection.
Conjunctivitis does not spread by looking into the eyes of an infected person.
Conjunctivitis does not spread by looking into the eyes of an infected person. It may be due to the rapid spread and onset of the disease that many people believe it will transmit through eye contact.
Initial symptoms of the disease include a gritty feeling in the eyes, irritation, itching, mild redness, and discharge… The condition often starts in one eye and may spread to the other eye within a few days, or it can affect both eyes simultaneously.
If the eye becomes swollen and significantly red, it is necessary to visit an eye specialist for examination. When receiving treatment, it is important to use prescribed medications and not self-medicate, as this may worsen vision.
Additionally, it is essential to isolate the infected person, limit contact, and avoid sharing items with them. Regularly wash hands with soap, maintain hygiene, and refrain from touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. The infected person should only return to studying or working after complete recovery.
Dr. Nguyen Dinh Trung Chinh
Ophthalmology Specialist, Interdisciplinary Department, Children’s Hospital No. 2 (HCMC)
