Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye and popularly called Apollo in Nigeria, is an inflammatory infection that leads to redness of the eye. Most often than not, the redness is accompanied by pain and swelling.
It is common among children, but adults contract it too.
It is highly communicable, as one can get it by coming into contact with things used by an infected person.
The symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, itching, a gritty feeling, discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent the eye or eyes from opening in the morning, and tearing.
Anne Omeche, an Abuja resident, recounted her experience of discovering she had conjunctivitis, noting that her eyes had been intensely itchy throughout the night. Upon awakening the next morning, she was alarmed to find her eyes both red and swollen.
Why it is called Apollo in Nigeria?
Some young Nigerians do not know why conjunctivitis is called apollo. Further research by FRCN indicated that the name started in 1969, about the time when the Apollo XI spacecraft was launched to the moon. There was an epidemic of eye infections in Ghana and Nigeria at that time, which was speculated to have been caused by the dust from the launch of the space rocket. But it was later discovered that the eye infection was caused by bacteria or viruses.
Causes:
Dr Nonye Obodo, an optometrist based in Abuja, described conjunctivitis as an inflammation of a thin layer covering the white of the eye and the lining under the lens of the eye called the conjunctiva.
He said it could be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, household dust, and pet dander, as well as irritants such as pollutants, smoke, and chlorine in swimming pools.
Dr Obodo pointed out that apollo was highly contagious and could spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from the eye of an infected person.
Treatment and prevention:
Experts say most cases of conjunctivitis get better on their own without any treatment; however, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.
According to Dr Obodo, treatment depends on the cause of the infection.
”Bacteria conjunctivitis is treated using antibiotics, mostly topical antibiotics like chloramphenicol and gentamicin. Viral conjunctivitis is largely untreated because it disappears on its own over time. Most viruses are self-limiting, while allergic conjunctivitis is treated using anti-histamine drugs. These drugs are used to stop the production of histamine in the eye caused by the allergens”, he explained.
On the myth about contracting apollo from looking at a person with the infection, Dr Obodo dispelled that, saying the transition was strictly by coming into contact with objects handled by a person with apollo.
In addition to medical treatment, other steps that can be adopted to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis are regular hand washing with soap and water and avoiding touching the eyes, especially after touching other objects or surfaces without washing the hands.
Sharing of items such as makeup, pillows, or towels used by infected persons and other people should be discouraged.
If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms of conjunctivitis, it is recommended that you contact a health care provider immediately.
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