Omicron Variant Affects Eye Health, Too

The Omicron variant, which affects the whole world, manifests itself with different symptoms compared to previous Covid-19 types. Research by British scientists revealed that the Omicron variant also causes Conjunctivitis, which is known as pink eye or red eye disease among the people.

Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital Chief Physician Op. Dr. Bilgehan Sezgin Asena said that the quality of life of the disease is negative.

AVOID CONTACT

Giving information about the disease, Op. Dr. Asena says, “The sclera, the white of the eye, is covered with a thin, onion-like layer. This layer, called the conjunctiva, secretes substances that moisturize the surface of the eye. There are fine veins in this layer and can be seen even with the naked eye when viewed carefully. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the vessels become more prominent and the eye becomes red. Conjunctivitis occurs for different reasons. The most common are germs, allergies and irritants in the environment, such as cigarette smoke and air pollution. Since the conjunctiva is a simple tissue, it shows the same reaction to all three causes, that is, it becomes red. In conjunctivitis due to microbial causes, the eye becomes red and there is a large amount of burr-like discharge, very burr cases are a sign of acute infection and you should consult an ophthalmologist. Microbial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious and can be transmitted through items such as handkerchiefs, towels and pillows. If you come into contact with people with conjunctivitis, wash your hands as soon as possible.”

DROP TREATMENT IS APPLIED

Kiss. Dr. Bilgehan Sezgin Asena stated that eye drops are used in the treatment of conjunctivitis and the specialist ophthalmologist decides which drops to use and how much.

Drawing attention to the importance of regular eye examination, Asena continued: “There are other serious eye diseases that can cause eye redness. For this reason, it is useful to see an ophthalmologist in case of eye redness. See an ophthalmologist, especially if you have pain, blurred vision, and severe light sensitivity because these are not seen in simple conjunctivitis. Pain, blurred vision, and severe light sensitivity can be glaucoma, eye ulcers, or inflammation inside the eye. For this reason, we recommend that you go for regular eye examinations.