Chinenye woke up with her eyes glued together. She tried to stand up from her bed but couldn't see anything. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her palm. She was able to open her eyes slightly and she used her hands to guide her way to the bathroom. She found her way to the bathroom using her slightly open eyes and her hands as a guide. She opened the tap in the wash hand basin and splashed water on her eyes. She rubbed her eyes with the water several times until she could open it. She felt a peppery sensation in her eyes and found herself closing her eyes intermittently. She looked at her eyes in the mirror that was placed above the wash hand basin. What she saw scared her. Her eyes were red and her eyelids were swollen. Tears streamed down from her face uncontrollably. She felt an irresistible urge to itch her eyes. The more she itched her eyes, the redder it becomes. She felt pain in the eyes. She prepared the water for her bath, took her bath and dressed up. She decided to drop by the hospital on her way from work. She used a pair of dark shades to prevent questioning from her colleagues at work.
At work, she felt so much discomfort that she had to take an excuse from her boss and leave around noon to see her doctor in the hospital.
'Good afternoon doctor' She removed the glasses and placed it on the table.
'Good afternoon, Chinenye. How are you doing today?' Doctor Adeagbo asked.
'I am not very well as you can see. I won't be here if I'm fine' She chuckled.
'I see. So, what brings you here today?'
'My eyes brought me to your office' She went further to explain her symptoms and how she was feeling.
Doctor Adeagbo scribbled somethings on a paper in front of him and handed the paper to her. ' I have written a test for you. Take it to the lab and get the test done. The result should be ready in about 1-2 hours'
'Alright doc' She stood up as she collected the paper.
Few hours' later, the test result came out.
'Chinenye, this result confirmed the diagnosis I have in mind. You have conjunctivitis. It is known as 'apollo' in local parlance'. The doctor said.
'Oh. I thought as much but I didn't want to make any assumption. Thank you doc. You're the best! ' She said.
Doctor Adeagbo smiled at her ' Anyways, I will write some meds for you and you will take the list to the pharmacy so you can get the drugs. Also, I will give you the business card of a trusted and tested health and lifestyle coach so you can contact her and she will guide you in the process. You can as well visit her blog and check out her posts. They are informative and educative'.
'Alright.'
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye or apollo, is an uncomfortable and contagious eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the tissues lining the eyelid). It is majorly caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants such as shampoo or allergic reaction. It is characterized by redness in the white of the eye, swollen conjunctiva, increased tear production, discharge and itchiness of the eye. While it often resolves on its own, taking proactive steps through lifestyle and dietary modifications can help prevent and alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis. The lifestyle and dietary modifications to prevent conjunctivitis include:
1. Perform hand Hygiene: Good hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after touching your eyes or face.
2. Avoid rubbing your eyes: Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce bacteria and irritants. If your eyes itch, use a clean tissue instead.
3. Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup with others, as this can spread infection.
4. Practice proper hygeine if you wear contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, practice proper hygiene, and follow your eye doctor's instructions for cleaning and wearing them. Consider using daily disposable lenses to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Protect your eyes: Wear protective eyewear, such as goggles, when participating in activities that could expose your eyes to dust, chemicals, or foreign objects.
6 Eat food rich in vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant and probiotics: Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining eye health. Include foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale in your diet, as they are rich sources of this essential nutrient. Foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and trout), flaxseeds, and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce eye inflammation. Antioxidants, found in fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and oranges, as well as vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, can protect your eyes from oxidative damage. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to a strong immune system. Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can help maintain a balanced gut flora.
7. Stay hydrated: Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain overall health and keeps your eyes moist, reducing the risk of eye irritation.
8. Limit Sugary and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and weaken the immune system. Reducing their consumption can help support your body's natural defense mechanisms.
If you already have conjunctivitis, in addition to any prescribed medications or treatments from your healthcare provider, you can further alleviate symptoms with these lifestyle modifications:
1. Apply warm compresses to the affected areas: Apply a warm compress to your closed eyes for a few minutes several times a day. This can help reduce discomfort and remove crusty discharge.
2. Cleanse your eyes gently: If your healthcare provider recommends cleaning your eyes, use a saline solution or warm water and a clean cloth or cotton ball to wipe away discharge. Be gentle to avoid further irritation.
3 Rest your Eyes: Adequate rest and sleep can promote faster healing. Avoid straining your eyes by looking at screens for prolonged periods.
4. Stay at home: If you have contagious conjunctivitis, it's important to stay home until your symptoms improve and you are no longer contagious. This will prevent the spread of the infection.
Conjunctivitis can be both preventable and manageable through simple lifestyle and dietary modifications. By practicing good hygiene, incorporating eye-healthy foods into your diet, and following the advice of your healthcare provider, you can reduce the risk of developing conjunctivitis and promote a quicker recovery if you do fall victim to this common eye condition. Remember that early intervention and consistent care are key to maintaining good eye health.
NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
