The increase in the number of Australians with the “green eye disease”, baptized “Christmas Eye” (“Christmas Eye”, in free translation), has generated great apprehension among the local population. More than 30 cases have been registered. The syndrome causes the infected eye to change in color, usually to a greenish color, and causes pain.
The disease, also called “Albury-Wodonga syndrome (located in the southern region of Australia)”, or “reaper keratitis”, is an infection caused by toxic secretions of a small species of beetle, known as orthoporuswhich measures half a millimeter and is difficult to see with the naked eye.
Australian doctors report an increase in the number of cases of a condition known as “Christmas Eye”. The health problem is characterized by the change in the tone of the eyes, which take on a greenish appearance, and by symptoms such as discomfort and intense pain in the eye area. pic.twitter.com/I5WMppgKiY
— 98 FM Natal (@98FMNatal) February 9, 2023
According to optometrist Rob Holloway, in an interview with the Australian television network 7 Newsthe disease usually appears during the Australian summer — hence the connection with Christmas.
‘Green eye’ symptoms
Those infected typically wake up in severe pain in the early hours of the morning, likely after being outdoors among the vegetation where the beetle would have infected them.
Common clinical features are: 1) severe ocular pain; 2) eyelid swelling; 3) increase in tear production; 4) photophobia; 5) decreased visual capacity. The last two problems last for 2 to 4 weeks.
The disease is self-limiting and complete resolution of symptoms can take up to six weeks. Long scarring of the cornea and loss of vision are rare but have been reported. So far, there are no records of cases of transmission between people.
According to Holloway, although the disease is serious, it is usually treated easily and does not leave sequelae, with the use of anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics. The means to protect against infection is to wear protective eyewear when outdoors, in areas where the animal is detected. The problem was first described in the 1970s.