red-eye treatment tips

Despite the low and stable consultation rate for acute conjunctivitis - or red-eye syndrome - in the past month, people are advised to observe personal hygiene as outbreaks of the disease tend to occur in summer.

Red-eye syndrome is a contagious condition mostly caused by viruses and bacteria. Symptoms include irritation, tears, pain and redness. It is usually a self-limiting condition with recovery in one to two weeks with proper treatment.

People with red-eye syndrome are advised to:

• seek early treatment from doctors;


• stop attending childcare centres, schools or workplaces before recovery;


• properly dispose articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions to prevent transmission of infection; and,


• avoid going to swimming pools.

People should pay attention to personal hygiene by:

• not sharing towels and toilet articles;


• minimising hand-to-eye contact;


• washing hands thoroughly before and after contact with eyes; and,


• avoiding sharing eye droppers, eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes.