Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye” is spreading in the Vietnamese capital as eye doctors in Hanoi say they’ve seen 7,000 cases during the past two weeks, according to a Tuoi Tre News report Saturday.
Dr. Hoang Cuong, at the Central Eye Hospital, said the epidemic is spreading rapidly, and that the clinic received 150-200 eye patients per day over the past several days.
Viral and bacterial pink eye is very transmissible and eye doctors advise the public to go to an eye clinic for treatment since conjunctivitis, if not treated quickly, can cause complications that seriously affect vision.
In addition, Dr, Pham Ngoc Dong, at the Central Eye Hospital, advised that nobody should use leaves to cover their eyes, or any other type of therapy suggested by people, as improper treatment may cause dangerous complications.
Pink eye, or Conjunctivitis, is a common eye ailment caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white portion of the eyesas well as the inner surface of the eyelids.
The three common causes of pink eye are viral, bacterial and allergic. The symptoms of each form are listed below:
Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Watery eyes accompanied with discharge are usual.
• Discomfort in the eye with itchiness maybe present.
• The infection usually affects one eye but can move to both.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Watery eyes followed with yellow or green discharge are natural occurrences.
• Irritation can be found along with an itchy feeling.
• The infection usually starts with one eye and can spread to the other.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Heavy tearing, discomfort, and itchiness affecting both eyes are especially likely.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious. Only bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics.
Related: Thailand ‘pink eye’ epidemic tops 160,000 nationally in 1st eight months of 2014
