Why should you wear sunglasses when you have pink eye?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by an eye doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
Pink eye is caused by bacteria or a virus. The disease is manifested by symptoms of red and swollen eyes, usually red in one eye first, then spread to the second eye. Most people with pink eye will clear up on their own in 7-14 days. When suffering from pink eye, doctors often recommend that patients with pink eye in addition to treatment and eye hygiene should wear sunglasses. So why does pink eye have to wear sunglasses?

1. Transmission route of pink eye disease

Pink eye disease is spread through the respiratory tract, through contact with secretions of the sick person such as:
Saliva, eye discharge, tears ... when healthy people share towels with sick people. Hands contaminated with pink eye secretions and touched other people's eyes. Pink eye is spread through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Pink eye is spread by holding contaminated objects (doorknobs, phones, towels...) and then rubbing your eyes with your hands. Spread through contaminated water (eg swimming pool water)... Since pinkeye is a respiratory disease, it is very common for one person to have pink eye that can infect the whole family or office. . Pink eye disease has a short-term immunity, so after a short time, the patient can still be re-infected. Pinkeye is not contagious when looking into the eyes of someone with pinkeye.

2. Why do red eyes have to wear sunglasses?

When suffering from pink eye, in addition to specific medications, doctors also advise patients to wear sunglasses. Wearing glasses when suffering from pink eye to protect eyes when going out, to prevent dust, against wind, to help patients less uncomfortable, to prevent the disease from getting worse.
In addition, wearing glasses also has aesthetic purposes, helping the patient to be confident when interacting with others, but not to prevent disease transmission. However, despite the temporary purpose of using during the time of pink eye, the patient also avoids using glasses that when wearing them feel sore eyes, dizziness.

3. Choose sunglasses for people with pink eye

People who are suffering from pink eye should not buy glasses at the sidewalk vendors, because these are poor quality glasses, not clean, very harmful to the eyes, increasing the risk of superinfection and increasing the risk of infection. severity of the disease. Should choose glasses that cover the face, have good shielding with sunglasses and are transparent, suitable for each situation and convenient for the patient. Note, patients should not wear dark-colored sunglasses, but must use clear glasses at night or when in the office, to avoid lack of light causing eye strain. Choose glasses with black, smoky gray or green lenses when outdoors to calm the eyes. You should not wear glasses with bright and colorful lenses such as: brown, yellow, orange, red... when in the sun, because these lenses will often create a feeling of more intense light, causing heat and glare for people. sick. When having pink eye, in addition to wearing sunglasses as usual, the patient should wear a mask to avoid spreading the disease to others. In addition, when red eyes are painful, you should not self-treat, you should immediately consult an eye doctor to be examined and given appropriate treatment.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.