2023-08-11 09:19:18
Traveler’s illnesses are more common in the summer holidays when we travel abroad more frequently. Ophthalmologists warn that several of these diseases can also affect the eyes and damage our visual health.
Ebola leaves sequelae in the eyes of those who survive the virus. Review in Sierra Leone of the survivor Aminata Koroma. Photo: Tommy Trenchard
Travel illnesses are those caused by microbes such as bacteria, viruses or parasites and they are usually spread when we travel to foreign countries and some of these pathologies can Seriously affect the eyes compromising eye health.
He Fernández-Vega Ophthalmological Institute (IOFV)with the aim of promoting prevention and eye care during summer trips, offers a series of recommendations to avoid these diseases.
As indicated by the doctor Luis Fernandez-Vega-Felgueroso, specialist ophthalmologist of the aforementioned institute, in summer there are various factors that can compromise eye health As the sun, water or sand.
To these factors, the ophthalmologist adds traveler’s diseases: “When we travel to certain areas abroad, we can expose ourselves to diseases that directly affect our eyes and sight, so we must always take care of our eye health.”
From onchocerciasis to trachoma
Some travel illnesses that can cause redness and irritation in the eyes are the measles, mumps (a viral infection that affects the salivary glands), rubella, chicken pox and zika.
However, onchocerciasis, trachoma and infectious conjunctivitis are three of the traveler’s diseases more common that affect our eyes.
1. Onchocerciasis or river blindness
The oncocercosis is transmitted by the black fly bite infected. Eye effects may range from mild disorders up to total loss of vision. It is essential to take preventive measures, such as the use of insect repellents and protective clothing in areas where this disease is endemic such as Brazil, Venezuela and Africa.
2. Trachoma
trachoma is a chronic bacterial infection It affects the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye. Its propagation occurs by direct contact with previously infected eye secretions. It is more common in regions with low hygiene conditions and in areas of Africa where resides approximately 85% of people affected.
3. Infectious conjunctivitis
It is generally developed by viruses and bacteria in unhygienic areas. According to Dr. Louis Fernandez-Vega Cueto-Felgueroso, “its contagion has a window of between 7 and 14 days and can be transmitted just by passing the hand over the eyes after touching a surface or object that an infected person has previously touched.
It is important to follow the recommendations of the experts to maintain proper eye hygiene. EFE/Jagadeesh Nv
Prevention, essential to take care of our vision
“Prevention is the best tool to take care of our vision while we explore the world,” explains the specialist from Fernández Vega Ophthalmological Institute.
Therefore, the expert recommends:
Be extremely hygienic and always wash your hands.
Use approved glasses with solar filter for UV rays.
Do not share towels, sheets, clothes, cosmetic products or facial sunscreen, especially if there is suspicion of infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Reduce sun exposure as much as possible. For prevent dry eyes should be controlled environmental factors such as the use of air-conditioning and protect yourself from sun and wind.
Frequent blinking. limit the hours of exposure to screens computer, mobile or tablets to rest your eyes periodically.
wear contact lenses only if it is necessary
Sleep properly.
In case of detecting signs of eye diseases, the center advises going to the ophthalmologist as soon as possible to start the appropriate treatment if necessary and to be able to monitor the evolution.
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