What is Eye Flu? Causes, Symptoms and Home Remedies

Although the eyes are among the most delicate organs, their health is often neglected. In today’s fast-paced world, constant exposure to screens, pollutants, and environmental factors increases the risk of various eye conditions. One common issue is viral conjunctivitis, also known as “eye flu.” It is a contagious infection that causes redness, irritation, and eye discomfort. It spreads easily during the monsoon season as bacteria and viruses can enter the eyes, leading to various infections. Highly infectious, eye flu often results in severe eye swelling and is more prevalent among children. Taking proper precautions is essential to prevent its spread.

Causes

Understanding the causes of eye flu is essential due to its highly contagious nature. The primary triggers include:

• Viruses: Adenoviruses, which also cause the common cold and flu, are the leading cause of viral conjunctivitis. This condition typically affects both eyes and leads to inflammation, irritation, fluid-like discharge, and sensitivity to light.
• Bacteria: Bacterial conjunctivitis is often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumoniae. It spreads through contaminated objects, poor hand hygiene, or touching the eyes with unclean hands. Symptoms can be more severe than viral conjunctivitis, but proper antibiotic treatment can resolve the infection within days.
• Allergies: Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, cosmetics, and pollen can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, leading to red, itchy, and watery eyes due to an immune response.
• Chemicals and Irritants: Exposure to pollutants, smoke, chlorine, or other irritants can cause chemical conjunctivitis. The severity and duration of irritation depend on the type and intensity of the exposure, often resulting in redness and discomfort in the eyes.

Symptoms

Eye flu, commonly known as conjunctivitis, can have different causes, but its symptoms often follow a common pattern. Some of the most noticeable signs include:

• Redness in the inner eyelid or the white part of the eye.
• A scratchy or gritty feeling in the affected eye.
• Watery or mucus-like discharge from the eyes.
• Swollen eyelids due to inflammation.
• Sensitivity to light (photosensitivity).
• Blurred vision or hazy eyesight.
• Crusted eyelids or lashes, especially after waking up.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing eye flu. Some of the most common ones include:

• Direct exposure to someone with bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can cause the infection to spread easily.
• Contact with allergens that trigger eye irritation.
• Wearing dirty or improperly fitted contact lenses can introduce bacteria or viruses.
• Touching your eyes frequently without washing your hands.
• Using contaminated tissues, towels, or other personal items that may carry germs.
• Applying expired or contaminated eye makeup can introduce bacteria into the eyes.

Precautions

Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of eye flu and the discomfort it causes. Follow these simple yet effective tips:

• Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently, especially if you have flu symptoms. Avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily.
• Pause contact lens use until the infection clears to prevent further irritation.
• Sanitize contact lenses properly after each use to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Do not share personal items like towels or clothing to prevent the spread of infection.
• Follow your doctor’s prescribed medication guidelines to ensure effective treatment.
• Improve ventilation in enclosed spaces like offices and bedrooms, as poor airflow can increase the risk of infection.

How to Cure Eye Flu

Here are some first-aid recommendations for managing eye flu:

• Hand wash a lot. Don’t share washcloths, towels, eye drops, or makeup with other people to stop the spread of infection.
• If you wear glasses, be sure to wash them with mild soap and water to remove any possible impurities.
• Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can aggravate the flu and possibly transfer the infection to other people or the other eye.
• If you usually wear contacts and have conjunctivitis, wear glasses instead of contacts until the infection disappears.
• If you have the eye flu, stay away from applying eye makeup.
• Place ice packs or a clean, warm compress over your closed eyes to ease pain and minimize swelling.

Prevention

Preventing eye flu is the most effective way to protect your eye health. Regular handwashing and avoiding eye contact with unclean hands can significantly reduce the risk of infection. If you notice any symptoms, seek prompt medical attention for proper treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions