Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Eric Tayag warned the public of the prevalence of sore eyes as one of the common ailments during the summer months.
"Kapag namumula at kumakati na ang mata, 'yung iba, ang ginagawa ay ipinipikit-bukas nila ang mata nila sa tubig at ito ay dapat obserbahan (When the eyes become red and itchy, some people tend to close their eyes and rinse them with water, which should be observed)," Tayag said during an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Wednesday, March 27.
He also cited the importance of seeing an ophthalmologist if a person is experiencing eye discharge and pain.
"Pangkaraniwan, ang sore eyes ay viral at wala namang ipinapatak na mahal na gamot, subalit sa pagkonsulta nila, sa ophthalmologist dapat para malaman kung anong uri ng gamot ang ibibigay (Usually, sore eyes are viral and there is no expensive medication prescribed, but consulting with an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine the appropriate medication)," Tayag noted.
"Umiwas sa over-the-counter na ipinapatak sa mata para hindi gumastos ng mali naman pala ang biniling gamot (Avoid over-the-counter eye drops to prevent spending money on the wrong medication)," he pointed out.
Tayag said consulting an ophthalmologist is important to confirm whether it is solely sore eyes or indicative of a more severe eye condition.
He also dispelled misconceptions regarding the transmission of sore eyes, clarifying that casual eye contact between individuals with and without the condition does not pose a risk of infection.
However, he warned of potential transmission if a person with sore eyes transfers eye discharge to another individual who subsequently touches their own eyes.
"Kapag nahipo ng taong may sore eyes ang discharge sa mata niya at ito ay may pagkakataon na nailipat nya sa ibang tao, tapos kinamot din ng taong 'yun 'yung mata niya, doon siya maaaring mahawa (If a person with sore eyes touches their eye discharge and then transfers it to another person, and that person also scratches their eye, that's when they can possibly get infected)," Tayag explained.
He advised the public to minimize exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during midday, to reduce the risk of contracting sore eyes and other seasonal illnesses.