Pink Eye Infections on the Rise in North Carolina
A North Carolina optometrist and Rowan County Board of Health member reported an increase in pink-eye infections caused by viral infections, which behave like Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). EKC is a painful eye condition that can last for over two weeks, causing missed work and school. Symptoms include redness, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, clear, watery discharge, blurred vision, and eye pain. Prevention is key, and proper precautions can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the infection to others. There is no vaccine that can treat or prevent EKC.