If your eyes are red or pink, itchy or scratchy, there’s a good chance that you have an infection – and it could be highly contagious.

Adamu Ibrahim, the chief nursing officer of the Borno State Hospital Management Board – Eye & Dental Hospital, told RNI reporter Hadiza Dawood that eye care was extremely important, especially during the rainy season when people were more susceptible to infections because the moisture content in the air created a favourable condition for bacteria, viruses and other germs to grow and multiply.

And, although not permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were still shaking hands when they met at markets and other gatherings. This could lead to an increase in the transmission of eye infections if people touched or rubbed their eyes after greeting someone who was infected.

He said people should avoid hand-to-eye contact.

Ibrahim said 70% of the 300 people who went to the hospital each week for medical care had conjunctivitis.

“It is very contagious. A whole house can be infected if just one person is infected.”

He said if a person greeted an infected person and then touched their eyes, the infection would spread. People had to remember to wash their hands before touching their eyes.

Ibrahim said conjunctivitis was just one of a number of eye infections, which were commonly caused by bacteria or a virus. But, he said, sometimes infections were the result of an allergic reaction.

“In adults, it is mostly caused by a virus while in children it is more likely to be bacterial.”

He said if a person became infected, they should go to an eye clinic or doctor as soon as possible to get the right medication.

“People should not try to treat themselves. They are not experts. The infections are different and each of them is treated differently. Do not neglect eye infection, seek prompt treatment.

Common eye problems that people face during the rainy season are:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye):An inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the outer surface of your eye). It can spread from one individual to another because of the increased amount of moisture content in the air. The red flags of it are redness of the eye, swelling, discharge, eye itchingand pain.
• Eye stye:A stye is a bacterial infection. It occurs as a lump on the eyelid when the small glands near the base of one’s eyelashes get clogged and the bacteria multiply in that small space not having any place to go. The basic symptoms of a stye are pus discharge, redness over eyelids and pain.
• Dry Eyes: This can result from exposure to dust and pollutants.
• Corneal Ulcer:Commonly caused due to infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a parasite, a corneal ulcer occurs as a painful red eye, with mild to severe eye discharge and reduced vision. It should be treated in time to avoid complications.

Tips for eye care in the rainy season:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and avoid hand-to-eye contact.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes with fingers as they contain germs and can lead to an infection.
• Do not share towels, napkins, or handkerchiefs with anyone.
• Do not wear make-up when you have an eye allergy or infection.
• Blinking can allow you to manage dry eyes.
• Wear sunglasses outside the house.
• Avoid exposing your eyes to rainwater which has germs and bacteria.
• Do not touch your eyes immediately after touching any contaminated surfaces with bacteria and germs, such as door handles, faucets, furniture or countertops.
• Do not self-medicate. Use eye drops or lubricants as prescribed by the doctor.