"Apollo Eye" on rapage

Most of us know it by only one name “Apollo”, but the conventional name for the inflammation of the conjunctiva is “Acute Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis” (AHC), News has it that this eye infection is currently affecting people...beware!

The conjunctiva is a thin transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye (Sclera), it helps to lubricate the eye by producing mucus and tears. AHC starts as reddening of the eye and could be caused by bacterial or viral infection.

Acute Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis is recognized by affected individuals as they wake.

The eyelids require great effort to separate them. Severe whitish discharge is witnessed throughout the day with the eye having a reddish colour. All these is worsened by pain which increases on looking up or at a light, symptoms could also include watery discharge and swelling eyelids.

An AHC patient is likely to experience blurry vision due to the whitish discharge, discomfort due to the false feeling of sand on the eye, covering of the eyes with the palm to limit the amount of light entering into it.

AHC will run its course without requiring any treatment, but can be resolved faster administering antibiotics into the eye. It occurs annually and affects hundreds of thousands of people annually. It spreads like wildfire and therefore requires prompt treatment. Once an individual is affected, the person is advised to stay away from crowded areas.