It is also medically known as as conjunctivitis, commonly cause by an adenovirus. There are several serotypes of adenoviruses. The incubation period (from time of exposure to appearance of symptoms) is 5 to 12 days. The conjunctiva (thin lining of upper and lowers eyelids that extends to the rim of eyeballs) becomes irritated, inflamed, red, stinging, with watery discharge, and the eyelids could get stuck to each other following sleep. This usually starts with one eye and spreads to the other eye by eye-to-hand-to-eye contamination. The lymph glands (body's defense filter) behind the ears could be sore and enlarged in many cases.

How is "Sore Eyes" transmitted?
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�Sore eyes� is a very contagious disease. Acute Viral Conjunctivitis spreads very fast, from one eye to the other of the same person, and to other persons the patient comes near to. Sore eyes can spread by contact of contaminated hands with the eyes (hand to eye contact) or through touching of eyes with hands which got into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. It can also spread through droplets from a person with sore eyes who also has a runny nose or cough. This condition can also be due to allergies or to irritants like dust, wind, smoke, fumes, intense sunlight, ultraviolet light of sunlamps, electric arcs, etc.

What are the signs and symptoms of sore eyes?

1. Redness of the eye.
2. Eye discomfort describing as burning or gritty but not sharp.
3. Vision is usually normal although smearing particularly in waking may be common.
4. Pain on the eye on exposure to light.
5. Water-like discharge commonly seen but later eyes maybe difficult to open in the morning, glued together.
6. Runny nose and sore throat may be present.
How long does �sore eyes� last?

Signs and symptoms of sore eyes will peak in 3 to 4 days, and patient will be relieved and recover in about 10 to 14 days.

What are the complications of sore eyes?

After a severe and prolonged infection there can be corneal scarring that can result in glare and decreased vision.

How do you prevent sore eyes?

1. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Do not touch your eyes and face without washing your hands.
3. Do not share towels, eyeglasses/ shades and make up.
4. Do not re-use handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best).
5. Used make-up must be thrown away if the patient has been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.
6. Be careful that tips of eye drops or ointments do not touch the eyes or eyelashes.
7. Don�t swim (some bacteria and viruses can be spread in the water).
8. Avoid shaking hands.
9. Disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, counters, elevator buttons, handrails with diluted bleach solution.
10. Clothes, towels, pillow cases and anything else which may have come in contact with an infected person should be washed.
What should patients with sore eyes do?

1. Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
2. Use clean tissue to remove discharge from eyes and wash hands afterwards.
3. Dispose used tissue in garbage bins. If the latter is not available, keep tissue in a small plastic bag then discard it as soon as you find a garbage bin.
4. To prevent irritation of the eye and possible scarring, do not use contact lens while one has sore eyes.
5. Do not wear eye make-up until the problem has been resolved.
6. Warm compress may be helpful to remove "crust".
7. Use antibiotic or antiviral medication only upon prescription by the doctor.
8. If drops or an ointment is prescribed, the applicator tip and infected eye must never come in contact with each other.
9. Especially fo