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Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Symptoms, Myths, and Effective Treatment Tips

Saturday, March 07, 2015 Edit
We are aware that during summer or rainy season most people are susceptible in viral infections such as sore eyes, pink eyes or more popularly known as conjunctivitis.

 Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid.The common types of noninfectious conjunctivitis are allergic conjunctivitis (caused by an allergic reaction) and irritant conjunctivitis.

Infectious conjunctivitis (pamamaga ng mata) or piskat in Bisayan dialect has the following symptoms caused by bacteria or viruses:

  • Eye pain
  • Itching of the eye
  • Swelling of the eyes
  • Redness in the eyes
  • Yellow, green or watery discharge from the eyes which collects overnight and crusts over the eye
  • A gritty feeling in the eye
  • An enlarged lymph gland in front of the ear

Top Sore Eyes / Conjunctivitis Myths



#1. Breast milk and Urine can cure sore eyes
False: It has no scientific proof that breast milk can cure sore eyes and even urine is dangerous.In fact recently, an ophthalmologist from the Philippines warned citizens to avoid it because these may cause secondary bacterial infection like gonorrhea and chlamydia.

 #2. Sore eyes infect someone by just looking at an infected eye
 False: You won’t get infected by just looking in the eye of a person who had sore eyes.
One can only be infected if he/she directly or indirectly comes into contact with secretions or something holding secretions of the patient, such as towel, handkerchief, washbowl or water. 

 #3. Using any eye drop prior can prevent or stop sore eyes
False:Using any eye drop prior can prevent sore eyes. So far there is no preventive anti-viral eye drop.

 #4. Conjunctivitis can cause vision impairment
False: Sore eyes or Conjunctivitis blurring of vision due to excessive tearing but it can’t causes no vision impairment.

 #5. Eating chicken may worsen Conjunctivitis
False. Chicken meat have no links to sore eyes but reportedly some people encountered so much discomfort when both allergy(after eating chicken) and sore eyes strikes.

 #6. Sore eyes can only infect you once in a lifetime
False. Don’t think that your old and you’re safe to sore eyes.It can occur in people of any age.Anyone can get re-infected many times if sore eyes strikes in your community. Young kids are probably more susceptible because it's contagious and tends to sweep through preschools and playgrounds. 

How to prevent sore eyes to spread?


1. Observe proper hygiene.It can prevent the spread of the infection. Individuals with sore eyes should also use tissues instead of handkerchiefs to wipe their eyes.

 2. Clean the eyes frequently with clean water; Take a bath more often.

 3. Clean your hands frequently by washing or applying alcohol.

 4. Wash whatever discharge that comes from the eyes with a fresh piece of towel or cotton and disinfectant.

 5. Using dark glasses even inside the house is some form of barrier to prevent infection transmission.

 6. Stay away even swimming in the same pool as a person with conjunctivitis.

 7. Dispose - Throw away used gauze, cotton balls and tissues immediately.

 8. Stay home.If you are infected it would be advisable that you stay at home from work or school or college for at least 2 days.

 9. See an ophthalmologist

Things you don’t when you have sore eyes


  • Do not share personal effects.
  • Do not close the eyes with a pad.
  • Do not rub or touch your eyes even if there is irritation.
  • Do not use someone else’s prescriptions as these may be inappropriate for your current infection & may have been contaminated from other infections by accidentally touching the medicine bottle to infected  areas.
  • Refrain from sharing washcloths, towels, pillowcases, mascara or eyeliner with someone infected.
  • Don't wear contact lenses when you are infected. 
  • Avoid eye makeup when infected.

Common Medications


According to experts there’s no actual fast solution to “sore eyes" or viral conjunctivitis people infected with such condition the usual “recovery period" of seven to 10 days. [Dr. Jack Arroyo, president of the American Eye Center]

 But believe us, most people are tired of going to doctors for many reasons instead they rely on medication they have proven effective from the past usage like antibiotics and eye-drops.

 Antibiotics and Eye Drops for Sore eyes:

  • Terramycin - Eye Drops (Need RX ) - Very effective
  • Gentacare (Gentamicin Sulfate) Eye Drops - Very effective
  • Tetrahydrozonline Visine HCI (use to clear red eyes) - OTC
  • Decilone Forte (Dexamthasone) - Contains Steriods (Need RX)
  • Amoxcilin - Anbiotic use combine with Decilone (Most antibiotic need RX)
  • Nasatapp - can stop runnng nose and eyes-watery associated with sore eyes -OTC

Note: For safety, we advised to consult an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Our recommendation is based only to experience.

 Sources : Medimanage | GMA News | HealthJockey | KidsHealth