Eye Disease, Summer’s Unwelcomed Guest

- Viruses that cause eye disease: There are two kinds of viruses -`adeno virus` and `entero virus`- which cause the summer eye disease. Viruses contained in the discharges from the eyes or tears are transmitted through the hand contact or objects. Since these viruses are not transmitted through air, it is not true that one would be infected through the direct eye contact with persons who are already infected. These contagious viruses spread quickly. For instance, when one family member is infected, the rest of the family members are vulnerable to the infection.

Although these viruses live inside the living organisms, `adeno virus` can survive outside the body if the weather condition is suitable. Therefore, the unclean water of the swimming pool or the wet towels are the major habitats of the viruses.

- Symptoms: There are three types of eye inflammation: Epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis (EKC), acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, and the pharynges conjunctivitis. The epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis is caused by `adeno virus`. After one week of latent period, the symptoms start to develop. Redness, itching, discharge from the eyes are the symptoms along with the swollen eyelids and lymphatic glands. The infection is most serious one week after the outbreak of the disease. The symptoms can be alleviated by the 3-4 week of treatment. `Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis`, which is also called `Apollo eye inflammation`, is caused by the `entero virus`. After 8-48 hour of short latent period, tears, itching, and redness develop. Some of the patients suffer from fever, lack of strengthness, and muscle pain. If one rests enough, it can be cured after one week without developing complications.

Children often develop the pharynges conjunctivitis, which is caused by `adeno virus`. After one week of latent period, fever and pharyngitis develop along with the redness and the conjunctiva infection. Young patients often develop the symptoms of high fever and diarrhea.

-Methods of prevention and treatment: The best way to prevent the infection is to use the eye drops and the antibiotic to restrain the second inflammation since there is no special medicine which can destroy the virus. 30-40 percent of patients suffer the temporary weakening of the eyesight because the virus damages the epithelial cell of cornea. However, one regains the eyesight after 2-3 months. If the symptom is serious, children under five years old may need to go through the operation to remove the yellow membrane since their immune systems are weak. When redness and discharge from the eyes develop along with acute pain, one should go to see the doctor. One should consult the doctor because steroid, which is contained in most eye drop products, can lead to the complications such as glaucoma.

- It is always necessary to keep the following to prevent the eye diseases: wash the hands. Do not rub the eyes with unclean hands. Do not touch the objects in the public places. Do not use other people’s cups or handkerchiefs.

(Advice: professor Kwok Sang-In, Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital and professor Kim Hyo-Myung, Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University Ahnam Hospital)

Yun Sang-Ho ysh1005@donga.com