Warning of rapidly spreading pink eye epidemic, many children have serious complications

According to the National Children's Hospital, in the past month, doctors at the Ophthalmology Department (National Children's Hospital) have received nearly 50 cases of pink eye brought in by their families. Of these, about 10 - 20% of children have serious complications such as: pseudomembrane that needs to be removed, corneal abrasion (corneal scratches), risk of infection and ulceration, long-term vision loss.

Image of pseudomembrane in children's eyes with acute conjunctivitis

Acute conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent white part of the eye (conjunctiva and eyelids), often occurring in spring and summer, and is easily spread into epidemics.

The disease usually starts 3-7 days after exposure to the source of the disease. Symptoms include: conjunctival congestion (red eyes), irritation of tears, eyes with a lot of discharge (can be white, sticky discharge if the disease is caused by a virus or can be green, yellow discharge if caused by bacterial infection). In young children, it may be accompanied by symptoms of rhinitis, pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection, fever...

In particular, in children, the disease can cause pseudomembranes (a thin, white membrane covering the conjunctiva that causes bleeding, prolongs the healing process, or can damage the cornea) and keratitis.

In a few cases, secondary infection can cause complications such as corneal ulcers, affecting the child's long-term vision.

Conjunctivitis is usually caused by viruses, of which up to 80% are adenoviruses.

In addition, it can be caused by other factors such as herpes virus, chickenpox, poxvirus... Children get the disease through direct contact with secretions from the eyes, nose, mouth (direct contact with sick people, rubbing hands on eyes, sharing personal items with sick people...).

Disease prevention recommendations

To prevent the spread, ophthalmologists at the National Children's Hospital advise that families should limit and avoid letting children rub their eyes, nose, and mouth; wash hands regularly with soap and hand sanitizer for children.

If your eyes are watery or have a lot of eye discharge, use tissue or medical cotton swabs (disposable) to clean them, then throw them in a trash can with a lid to avoid creating a source of infection for your family and people around you. Disinfect your hands after cleaning your eyes.

Use separate personal items such as: food, drinks, wash basins, towels, blankets, and pillows.

Wear a mask when coughing or sneezing and avoid crowded places. Older children should not wear contact lenses if they have conjunctivitis.

In particular, when children have symptoms such as red eyes, watery eyes, and a lot of discharge, they need to go to eye examination facilities for timely treatment and handling of complications.

Families who need to examine and intervene in eye diseases in children can contact hotline 02462738512 - 0817126456 of the Ophthalmology Department (Central Eye Hospital) for advice.

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