About Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
AHC is primarily caused by viruses. The viruses infect the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the eyeball and inner eyelid, leading to inflammation and symptoms of AHC.
Risk factors for AHC include:
- Age: AHC is most often seen in individuals aged 0-20 years and those over 60 years old.
- Season: AHC is most often seen in summer and autumn.
- Modifiable risk factors (those that potentially can be changed) include:
- Working outdoors
- Using portable water equipment
- Having contact with people with acute conjunctivitis
- Not washing hands frequently
Acute hemorrhagic pink eye is very contagious (easily passed from person to person). Good hygiene (washing hands frequently), not sharing personal items such as make-up and towels, and not touching the eye area can help prevent getting acute hemorrhagic pink eye from someone who has it.
It's important to note that these risk factors may not cover all possible factors. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Symptoms of acute hemorrhagic pink eye (AHC) includes:
- Gritty or sandy feeling in one or both eyes
- Feeling like there is something in your eye that you can't rinse out or rub away
- Eye pain
As the infection progresses or in more severe cases of AHC, other symptoms may occur, such as:
- Red, pink, or bloodshot appearance of the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Pain, burning, or discomfort in the eyes
- Watery discharge or tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
It's important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect you have AHC or any form of conjunctivitis, it is recommended to visit an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To diagnose acute hemorrhagic pink eye, doctors may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will assess symptoms and examine the eye for swelling, redness, discharge, and bleeding. The doctor may shine a light in your eyes to see how the pupils respond to light
- Visual acuity test: This assesses your vision and helps rule out other eye conditions.
- Slit lamp examination: Using a specialized microscope called a slit lamp, the doctor examines your eye closely to assess the health of your conjunctiva and outer eye tissues.
- Eye culture or smear: If your conjunctivitis does not improve with treatment or responds poorly, the doctor may take a sample of cells from your conjunctiva for laboratory testing.
Additional examinations to determine a diagnosis and exclude (rule out) other causes of symptoms may include:
- Visual field testing: This assesses any visual field defects that may be present.
- Assessment of extraocular motor nerves: The doctor evaluates the function of the muscles that control eye movement.
Other examinations and tests may be recommended based on individual factors and needs.
The goals of treatment for acute hemorrhagic pink eye are to relieve symptoms and promote healing. Here are the different treatment options and how they work:
- Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses to the affected eye can help relieve pain and swelling.
- Lubricating eye drops: Eye drops can help lubricate the eye and promote tears, which can reduce the concentration of infectious material and provide relief.
- Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain medications can be used to reduce pain associated with acute hemorrhagic pink eye. However, it's important to consult with a doctor before taking new medication, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
It's important to note that many cases resolve on their own within a week without any treatment. Doctors may advise against using certain over-the-counter or prescription treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, as they can cause superinfections on the eye's surface.
Remember, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment options and guidance. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors, so it's important to check with your healthcare professional about dosing for your individual situation. Medication side effects can occur, so it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.