Apollo eye infection: Causes, symptoms, how to prevent it

Lukman Abdulmalik

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as Apollo or “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.

The condition can be caused by infections, allergies or exposure to irritants. While many cases are mild and resolve with appropriate care, some forms can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis commonly causes redness, itching and clear, watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, may produce significant redness and yellow or green discharge, which can cause the eyelids and eyelashes to become swollen and crusty.

Viral conjunctivitis may cause moderate redness, pain and a gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes, as though there is a foreign object in the eye. Sensitivity to light may also occur.

People who wear contact lenses face a higher risk of complications from bacterial eye infections, including corneal ulcers, which can cause severe pain and increased sensitivity to light.

What causes Apollo?

Conjunctivitis is generally classified into three major categories: infectious, allergic and chemical.

Infectious conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria originating from the skin or respiratory system. Poor hygiene, touching the eyes with unwashed hands, sharing contaminated cosmetics and using improperly cleaned contact lenses can increase the risk of infection.

Viral conjunctivitis is commonly associated with viruses that cause respiratory infections such as colds. It can spread through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces and contact with infected secretions.

Allergic conjunctivitis: This occurs when the eyes come into contact with substances that trigger an allergic reaction. People with seasonal allergies may be particularly susceptible.

A form known as giant papillary conjunctivitis can also occur in people who use certain types of contact lenses or have other foreign materials or exposed sutures on the surface of the eye.

Chemical conjunctivitis: Exposure to irritants such as air pollution, swimming-pool chlorine and toxic chemicals can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva.

How does Apollo spread?

Infectious conjunctivitis can spread through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces and subsequently touching the eyes.

Poor hand hygiene and sharing personal items such as towels, handkerchiefs, cosmetics and eye-care products can increase the risk of transmission.

How can it be prevented?

Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.

People should wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water and avoid touching or rubbing their eyes. Towels, washcloths, cosmetics and other personal eye-care items should not be shared.

People with eye infections should also avoid sharing bedding and personal items and should regularly wash pillowcases and towels.

Eye makeup such as mascara and eyeliner used during an infection should be discarded to prevent reinfection.

Contact lens users should stop wearing their lenses as soon as symptoms of conjunctivitis develop and seek advice from an eye-care professional.

When should you see a doctor?

Although many cases of conjunctivitis are not serious, eye redness can sometimes be a sign of a more severe condition.

Urgent medical attention is recommended when redness is accompanied by severe pain, blurred or reduced vision, significant sensitivity to light or a sensation that something is stuck in the eye.

Contact lens users should be particularly cautious because infections can affect the cornea and potentially threaten vision.

If symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours, especially in a contact lens wearer, an eye specialist should be consulted.

A proper eye examination can help determine whether the condition is bacterial, viral, allergic or caused by another problem and guide appropriate treatment.