Sore eyes in the Philippines: what to do and how to avoid spreading it

Sore eyes move through a household fast. One person wakes up with a red, watery, gritty eye, and within days it has reached the kids and half the office. Outbreaks tend to spike in the rainy season and in crowded, shared spaces. Knowing what to do early keeps it from spreading further.

What sore eyes usually means

"Sore eyes" is the everyday Filipino term for conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin, clear layer covering the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It often causes redness, watering, a gritty feeling, and crusting on the lashes in the morning. Many cases are viral and very contagious. Some are caused by bacteria, and some by allergies, which are not contagious at all.

What you can do at home

Most mild cases ease with careful home care while your body clears the infection:

• Keep your hands clean. Wash often, and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
• Use a clean compress. A cool or lukewarm cloth over closed eyes can soothe irritation. Use a fresh cloth each time.
• Wipe away crust gently with a clean, damp tissue, from the inner corner outward, then throw it away.
• Rest your eyes from screens and skip contact lenses until the eye is fully back to normal.
• Artificial tears can help with the gritty, dry feeling. Do not share the bottle with anyone.

How to stop it spreading

Sore eyes spread through hands, shared items and droplets. Break the chain:

• Use your own towel, pillowcase and face cloth, and wash them often in hot water.
• Do not share eye drops, makeup, sunglasses or gadgets.
• Stay home from work or school while the eye is actively weeping or red, especially in the first few days.
• Wash your hands before and after touching your face.

When to see a doctor

Home care is enough for many mild cases, but you should have an eye professional check it if you notice any of these:

• Eye pain, or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking.
• Strong sensitivity to light.
• Thick, coloured discharge that keeps coming back.
• No improvement after a few days, or symptoms getting worse.
• A baby or young child with a red, weepy eye.

These signs need a proper in-person assessment. An eye doctor can tell what is causing it and advise the right treatment, rather than guessing at the pharmacy counter.

After it clears, protect your eyes going forward

Once your eyes are fully back to normal, replace any eye makeup you used while infected, and clean your glasses and case well. If you wear contact lenses, restart only when the eye is completely comfortable, and review your hygiene routine so it does not happen again.

If your sore eyes are not improving, or your vision feels off, do not wait it out. Visit your nearest Vision Express store to have your eyes checked and get clear, professional advice on what to do next.