: Redness of the eyes , irritation of the eyes, appearance of something like sand in the eyes, watery eyes , accumulation of puffiness in the corners of the eyes, itching of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids , difficulty in looking at the light , blurred vision — all these eyes Symptoms of conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the white part of the eye , called conjunctivitis , is called conjunctivitis. The disease usually starts in one eye. Later both eyes are affected. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a number of factors , including bacteria , viruses , and allergies. Eye diseases caused by bacteria or viruses are highly contagious. The germs can be spread by direct hand contact , foamite , air , and even water from ponds , rivers, or swimming pools during hand-to-mouth washing and aju-bathing . Infectious handkerchiefs , towels , Can be found on towels , tissue paper , pens , pencils , book pages , notebooks , tables , chairs , door latches , faucet taps, etc. These are then called foamite in medical terms. Even if you wipe the affected eyes with a handkerchief , towel , towel , tissue paper, germs will remain in them. Bacteria can also be transmitted to other people's eyes through these foci. And if one of these causes eye disease, it spreads to others in the form of epidemics. No child or old person is left out. However, many of the students in the school or other educational institution live together because if one of them has conjunctivitis, the disease spreads very fast among the others. If caused by bacteria, the disease can spread from one person to another within seven to eight days or two to three days after the onset of symptoms. This is called the duration of the infection. And if caused by a virus, the virus can spread from one person to another within seven to 10 days after the onset of symptoms. Five to seven days after the germs enter, the symptoms appear. With a couple of exceptions, conjunctivitis is not a very serious disease , it gets better in seven to 10 days , but it is no less serious. There are ways to prevent conjunctivitis. A very good way to prevent frequent hand washing with soap. The one whose eyes are raised , he also washes his hands frequently ; For those who are not , healthy people who come in contact with the patient should wash their hands frequently. The disease can be largely prevented by not using the handkerchiefs , towels , towels , tissue paper , eye drops , eye cosmetics, etc. used by the patient. Handkerchiefs , towels , towels, etc. used by the patient should be washed immediately. Tissue paper should be discarded in a safe place. Patients or healthy people should not put their hands or fingers in their eyes or rub their eyes — these habits will also play a role in prevention. If you forget to rub or rub your eyes, you should wash your hands immediately. This reduces the risk of pathogens infecting different objects , reducing the risk of converting an object to foamite. It is also important to seek immediate medical advice for the necessary treatment. Md. Shahidullah Head of Department, Department of Community Medicine , Community Based Medical College , Mymensingh. Source: Daily Prothom Alo