What is the main transmission route of conjunctivitis (red eye disease)?
My eyes have been red, swollen, and producing excessive discharge recently. I suspect I might have conjunctivitis (pink eye). Could you please tell me through which main routes this disease spreads? Is it transmitted through direct contact or via airborne transmission?
Doctor's answer (1)
Pinkeye, medically known as acute conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition primarily characterized by redness of the eye, increased discharge, and a foreign body sensation. The main transmission routes include direct contact transmission, droplet transmission, waterborne transmission, and iatrogenic transmission.
Direct contact transmission is the most common mode of transmission. When a patient's hands or personal items (such as towels or pillows) come into contact with their infected eyes and then subsequently touch the eyes of a healthy person, the pathogen can be transmitted to the healthy individual.
Airborne droplet transmission is another method of spread. Droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks may contain pathogens, which others may inhale and become infected. Pinkeye can also spread through contaminated water sources and in healthcare settings.
In public water facilities such as swimming pools or hot springs, if the water becomes contaminated with discharge from a patient's eyes, other swimmers who come into contact with the water may also contract pinkeye. Therefore, it is important to avoid touching the eyes with hands before and after swimming in public places, and to wear goggles as much as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
If symptoms of pinkeye occur, prompt medical attention should be sought, and self-medication should be avoided to prevent delays in treatment.
