There has been a significant increase in viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, in Ethekwini and surrounding areas, according to the KwaZulu-Natal health department. The number of cases has spiked from just over 100 to over 1 000 in the last few days, causing concern among residents and prompting health officials to warn residents to be extra vigilant about hygiene practices to curb the spread of the infection.
Yondela Nongcawula, based in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, suspects she might have caught pink eye from her nephew. “I’ve been around my nephew lately, and he just had it. Now the whole family has been affected by it,” she says.
Worried but unsure of what to do, Nongcawula admits, “I haven’t tried any treatment yet. I looked online, but I couldn’t find anything about how to get rid of it. My eyes are itching, hurting, and red, and I can’t see properly.
Johannesburg resident Maria Mathamela describes her experience with a sudden onset of pink eye as a severe itch. “It all started in the morning when my eye started itching really badly.”
This common symptom, often the first sign of pink eye, quickly turned into a full-blown infection for Mathemela.
Protect yourself
KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane alerted the public to a few basic hygienic practices that can help contain the spread of pink eye.
Pink eye can be contagious, she said, thus highlighting that getting an early diagnosis and taking precautions can help limit the spread.
“To avoid pink eye, you need to practice good personal hygiene, including regular hand-washing and avoiding sharing eye cosmetics, face cloths, and pillows,” she said.
“Now that we have confirmed cases of pink eye in Ethekwini District, we are urging those who have its symptoms not to sit at home but to visit their nearest clinic. During the era of Covid-19, we developed a number of habits that promoted good hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitiser. Those are some of the things we need to re-orient ourselves with.”
According to KwaZulu-Natal-based optometrist Ncedile Ngobese, pink eye falls under either a viral infection or a bacterial infection because it is caused either by bacteria or infection.
Viral or bacterial causes
“The most common cause of pink eye is a viral infection. It’s caused when the thin, transparent layer that covers the eyeball becomes irritated. So whenever this part is irritated, the blood vessels become swollen, indicating that there will be too much blood flow. They become big, meaning they will occupy more blood,” Ngobese says.
“That’s why every time a person has pink eye, their whole eye looks like it has blood because these blood vessels are so irritated that they become enlarged, and then the blood rushes there. Hence, we get that pinkish, reddish appearance.”
Although it doesn’t affect vision, Ngobese explains some common symptoms of pink eye, such as extreme redness of the eye, itchiness, and tearing to some extent. After a while, some can start seeing it discharge, and some will complain of a burning sensation in the eye and sensitivity to light.
“So usually, when somebody has a pink eye, the eye is very itchy. We usually advise patients not to rub their eyes a lot because the more you rub your eyes, the more the conjunctival area becomes irritated. Rubbing the eye worsens the condition.”
Prevent spreading the infection
Explaining how this condition is spread, she explains that it is mostly through contact whenever a person who has pink eye touches their eyes, and then they don’t wash their hands.
“It is usually transmitted through contact with a person who has pink eyes or by using their throngs or the same surfaces they have touched.”
To prevent the spread of pink eye if you are already infected, Ngobese suggests:
- Avoid rubbing the eye when itchy.
- Washing hands and sanitising surfaces regularly.
- Stop wearing contact lenses.
- If you wear glasses, try to clean them as regularly as possible.
For more prevention methods, she advises avoiding direct contact with a person with pink eye, washing hands with soap and warm water, using sanitisers, avoid using the same cosmetics, clothes, and pillows as someone with a pink eye infection.
“Pink eye usually subsides on its own in a period of five to seven days, or a week or two at most; it mostly doesn’t require longstanding medication. However, it may last longer if a person’s immune system is compromised. It spreads, but it doesn’t cause long-term effects on one’s eye vision.”
Optometrist Ncedile Ngobese
“If it doesn’t subside, it can be due to continuous rubbing of the eyes or other illnesses that affect the immune system.”
If irritation is too severe, one can visit an optometrist or specialist for antibiotics or get eye drops. Furthermore, the only effective home remedy she suggests is using a cold compress.
“The only thing a person can do at home if irritation is unbearable is use cold compressors. Take ice, wrap it around a clean cloth, and put it over the affected eye for 10–15 minutes. Coldness reduces the blood flow for some relief.”
Simelane further emphasises that health education is ongoing in the waiting areas of their facilities on hand hygiene and eye care.
“The department is also providing ongoing information, education, and communications material using media platforms to spread awareness about pink eye. This includes what it is, how it can be prevented, and where to seek help.”
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