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What is Eye Flu

Eye flu, also known as pink eye and conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This transparent membrane is known as conjunctiva. Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated making them more visible and causing the whites of the eyes to appear more red or pink.

Causes of Eye Flu

Eye flu can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergies. It can also happen due to a chemical splash in the eye or a foreign object in the eye. In new born babies, a blocked tear duct can cause eye flu.

Types of Eye Flu

The different types of eye flu are categorized on the basis of what has caused the condition. These are:

1. Viral & bacterial eye flu
2. Allergic eye flu
3. Eye flu resulting from irritation

Viral & Bacterial Eye Flu

Eye flu is mostly caused by the adenovirus but it can also be caused by other viruses such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
Viral and bacterial eye flu can happen along with colds or symptoms of respiratory infection, like sore throat.

Wearing contact lenses that are not cleaned properly or other people's contact lenses can cause bacterial eye flu.

Both viral and bacterial eye flu are very contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with the liquid that drains from an infected person’s eye and one or both eyes can get infected.

Allergic Eye Flu

Allergic eye flu affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. The body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody triggers special cells in the mucous lining of the eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, such as histamines. The body’s release of histamine can cause a number of allergy symptoms, including red or pink eyes.

If a person has allergic eye flu, they may experience intense itching, tearing and inflammation of the eyes.

Allergic eye flu is not contagious.

Eye Flu Caused by Irritation

Eye flu is also associated with irritation from a chemical splash or foreign object in the eye. Flushing and cleaning the eye to wash out the chemical or object can cause redness and irritation.

Symptoms of this type of eye flu usually clear up within a day. If flushing does not resolve the issue, then visiting a healthcare professional is important. A chemical splash can cause permanent damage to the eye. Ongoing symptoms could be a sign that the foreign object is still present in the eye. There is also a possibility of causing a scratch on the cornea or conjunctiva.

Signs and Symptoms of Eye Flu