ACUTE HAEMORRHAGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS (APOLLO)

Very soon we'll  be ushered into the harmattan season, (the APOLLO season) and this eye infection will spread like wild fire.
Most of us are bothered about it, not to worry, I'm here to help you calm your nerves.

WHAT IS APOLLO?
ACUTE HAEMORRHAGE CONJUNCTIVITIS (AHC) commonly called APOLLO is simply the inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, and this is caused by a virus, and this eye infection can clear up on it's own. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.
It was named Apollo because many believed that the eye infection was brought from space to Accra Ghana, in 1969 the year Apollo II landed on the moon.The eye infection  is caused by a Virus, and not by the white cotton plant or by looking at an infected person's eye. Apollo is a very contagious diseases and may affect both eyes and people around.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
1. Burning eyes.
2. Red eyes.
3. Watery eyes.
4. Crusted eyelids or lashes.
5. Itchy eyes.
6. Gritty feeling, especially when blinking.
7. Discharge that forms a crust like structure around the eyelids preventing it from opening.
8. Sensitivity to bright light.
9. Swelling of the eyelid.

Eye doctors usually prescribe antibacterial eye drops to prevent further inflammation and infection. Patients are recommended to keep away from crowds to prevent the spread of the virus that causes the disease.

TIPS TO AVOID EYE INFECTION THAT CAN LEAD TO BLINDNESS
1. Avoid the use of urine, breast milk,  onions, sugar solution, local herbs.etc. they cause more harm than good.
2. Frequent hand washing with soap.
3.  Avoid touching your face, particularly the eye area.
4. Avoid sharing towels/handkerchief or personal hygiene kits with others.
5. See a doctor immediately if your eyes are swollen, red, and itching.
6. Avoid rubbing the affected eye.
7. Rest for 7 to 14 days.
8. Minimize  exposure to crowd to avoid spread of infection.
9. Children with the eye infection need to take some days off from day care centers, schools, and other social gatherings.
10. Always wipe the eye discharge with cotton wool and saline water before instilling the eyedrop.
11. Use your eyedrop regularly as prescribed by your Eye Doctor.
12. Changing pillow case as often as possible.
13. Avoid wearing other people’s contact lenses. Also, do not use contact lenses when you have Apollo.

NOTE: Apollo is an acute condition i.e. for a short period, and it is self-limiting in healthy people. However, failure to follow hygienic conditions and also carelessness can make it a critical condition which can lead to blindness.

Courtesy

Dr. Chioma Innocent