New Epidemic Warning from Experts: May Lead to Vision Loss

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has been in our lives for nearly two years. When we say that the effect of this disease, which led to the death of hundreds of thousands of people, has completely decreased. with new variantr is emerging and cases are on the rise again. The Omicron variant, which emerged in South Africa and spread rapidly in our country, can be the best example of this.

Now, scary statements have come from scientists about another virus. Head of the Ocular Infection Unit of the Turkish Society of Ophthalmology, conjunctivitis, or as it is known red eye disease He warned that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases recently.

‘Adenovirus-related conjunctivitis cases on the rise’

Head of Ocular Infection Unit of the Turkish Society of Ophthalmology Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yiğit said that virus infections that turned into epidemics after the restrictions on the pandemic were relaxed, known as red eye disease He noted that cases of conjunctivitis have increased. causing respiratory tract infections adenoviruses It was also emphasized by Yigit that it causes conjunctivitis in the eyes.

In the statements made by Yigit, it was stated that the disease is quite common, especially in people who are in close contact (such as family). Yigit added that the disease can have frightening effects: “We started to see the conjunctivitis picture frequently. The treatment of the patients should be started immediately and the patient should be followed closely. Because blur may occur under the transparent layer of the eye, which we call the cornea. Even because of illness. vision loss There is a possibility that it will even happen.”

According to the explanations, the symptoms of this disease, called adenoviral conjunctivitis, appear a few days after contact. Burr in the eyes, redness, lymph node enlargement in front of the ear are among the common symptoms. It is emphasized by experts that the symptoms that are seen in one eye at first may spread to the other eye and may continue for weeks.

‘It’s more risky for kids’

In addition to these, Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yigit; that there are symptoms such as the inability to open the eyes in the morning due to severe discharge in the eyelashes and the bleeding in the eyes, the disease there is no clear cure; however, he states that there are remedies to reduce the symptoms.

Stating that the transmission period of the disease may be prolonged, Yiğit says that the best way to prevent adenovirus is to avoid hand and eye contact. also children’sIt is also underlined that children are more at risk than other age groups, so parents and teachers at schools should be careful.