As summer draws families to water parks, beaches, splash pads, and fountains, the risk of eye infections rises. Warm, humid environments foster bacterial and viral proliferation, leading to a surge in conjunctivitis cases. Commonly known as “pink eye,” this condition requires vigilance. Below, we examine the types, symptoms, and prevention strategies for summer conjunctivitis.
Swimming pools, despite chlorination, harbor contaminants like sweat, saliva, and urine, creating ideal conditions for pathogens. Without precautions, secondary bacterial infections can arise, potentially impairing vision.
Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis: The Common “Pink Eye”
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, caused by adenovirus, is a frequent water-related infection. Highly contagious, it spreads through contaminated pool water without direct contact. Symptoms typically begin in one eye, including conjunctival injection, purulent discharge, eyelid edema, and excessive lacrimation. The virus often spreads via tears to the other eye, causing bilateral symptoms.
Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis: The “Apollo Eye Disease”
Known as “Apollo eye disease,” acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis stems from enteroviruses or coxsackieviruses. After a 24- to 48-hour incubation period, patients experience sudden conjunctival hyperemia, subconjunctival hemorrhages, chemosis, foreign body sensation, photophobia, ocular pain, and mucopurulent discharge, lasting about a week. Symptoms are more severe than in epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, and patients remain contagious for four to seven days.
Pharyngoconjunctival Fever: A Dual Threat
Pharyngoconjunctival fever, another adenoviral infection, combines conjunctivitis with pharyngitis. Unlike other forms, it spreads through respiratory droplets, not just water contact. Children, with less robust immunity, are particularly susceptible, necessitating extra caution.
Contact Lens Risks
Wearing contact lenses during water activities heightens infection risk. Lenses reduce corneal oxygenation, potentially causing corneal edema and increasing bacterial adherence. If unavoidable, frequent disinfection or disposable lenses discarded after use are safer options.
Prevention and Management
Protective goggles are the first line of defense against waterborne pathogens. After swimming, rinse eyes with sterile saline or clean water and avoid rubbing them. Persistent symptoms—conjunctival injection, discharge, or lacrimation—require prompt ophthalmologic evaluation. Most cases respond well to topical antibiotic therapy, but untreated infections may progress to chronic conjunctivitis, demanding comprehensive treatment.
These measures ensure safe enjoyment of summer water activities while protecting eye health.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr