Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious viral infection that inflames both the conjunctiva and the cornea. Although anyone can catch it, EKC flourishes in crowded settings—schools, offices, gyms, dorms, and health‑care facilities—because the virus survives for days on shared surfaces.
Symptoms: what to watch for
EKC usually strikes both eyes and can last two–three weeks. Classic signs include:
- Redness and irritation that worsens over the first few days
- Watery or mucus‑like discharge that may crust on lashes
- Light sensitivity (photophobia) and glare
- Foreign‑body or gritty sensation that makes blinking uncomfortable
- Blurred vision or hazy patches on the cornea (especially after day 7)
- Eyelid swelling and tenderness
- Itching or burning that tempts you to rub (which spreads the virus)
Causes and risk factors
- Adenoviruses, most often serotypes 8, 19, or 37, are the culprits.
- The virus spreads through direct contact with tears or eye secretions and indirect contact via towels, cosmetics, keyboards, door handles, and diagnostic eye equipment.
- Crowded environments, poor hand hygiene, and sharing personal items accelerate outbreaks.
Diagnosis: how doctors confirm EKC
An ophthalmologist or optometrist will:
- Take a thorough history of recent exposure and symptom onset.
- Examine the eye at the slit lamp to gauge conjunctival redness, corneal involvement, and any preauricular lymph‑node swelling.
- Measure vision and intraocular pressure to rule out other causes of redness.
- Order a rapid antigen test, viral culture, or PCR in severe or atypical cases to pinpoint adenovirus.
Treatment: easing symptoms while the virus runs its course
No antiviral drops eliminate EKC outright, so care is supportive:
- Lubricating artificial tears (preservative‑free if possible) reduce dryness and dilute viral particles.
- Cold compresses calm swelling and soothe burning.
- Topical antihistamine‑decongestant drops may ease itching (short term only).
- Mild topical steroids are sometimes prescribed for significant corneal haze, but only under close medical supervision.
- Strict contact‑lens holiday: lenses stay out until redness, discharge, and photophobia resolve—usually two weeks or longer.
- Follow‑up visits allow your doctor to monitor corneal clarity and intercept post‑infectious infiltrates that can blur vision for months if untreated.
Prevention: stop the spread
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face or handling lenses.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, washcloths, cosmetics, or eye drops.
- Disinfect high‑touch surfaces (keyboards, phones, door handles) with an EPA‑approved antiviral cleaner.
- Stay home or keep children home until tearing and crusting subside; most schools and workplaces recommend isolating for at least five–seven days.
- Replace or disinfect lenses, cases, and makeup once the infection clears.
Bottom line
EKC is uncomfortable, lingers longer than most pink‑eye infections, and spreads like wildfire without strict hygiene. If you develop red, watery eyes—especially in both eyes—see an eye‑care professional promptly for a confirmed diagnosis and guidance on relief. Early management protects your corneas, eases your symptoms, and safeguards everyone around you.
Concerned about pink eye? Call Trinidad Vision Cataract and Laser Eye Institute or contact us online to schedule a same‑day evaluation. Don’t let viral pink eye catch you—or your community—off guard.
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