Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC), commonly known as Apollo eye infection, is a highly contagious viral infection primarily caused by specific, aggressive viral strains, notably Enterovirus D70 and a variant of Coxsackievirus A24. AHC is characterized by its sudden onset and the presence of subconjunctival hemorrhages, which give the eye a strikingly blood-red appearance. The infection is typically self-limiting, meaning the virus runs its course without specific treatment. The acute phase generally lasts a relatively short time, with most people experiencing significant improvement within five to ten days.
The Typical Timeline of Infection
The progression of an Apollo eye infection follows a rapid course, beginning with a very short incubation period. After exposure to the virus, symptoms usually begin to appear within 12 to 48 hours. This brief window contributes significantly to the explosive and widespread nature of AHC outbreaks.
The onset is marked by a sudden and intense gritty sensation, profuse tearing, and redness. Symptoms reach their peak intensity between days three and five. This peak phase includes severe pain, swelling of the eyelids, and the hallmark sign of AHC: petechial or larger subconjunctival hemorrhages that cause the whites of the eyes to turn bright red.
Following the peak, symptoms generally start to fade after day five, with the foreign-body sensation, tearing, and pain gradually diminishing. While the most distressing symptoms subside within about a week, the deep redness from the hemorrhages may take up to two weeks to completely clear.
Symptom Management and Comfort Measures
Since Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis is a viral infection, there is no curative treatment available; the immune system must eliminate the virus naturally. Medical care focuses on supportive relief to manage discomfort until the illness resolves. Applying cold compresses several times a day can help reduce swelling and ease the burning sensation.
Non-prescription lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, are highly recommended to soothe the irritated eye surface and flush out discharge. These drops promote lubrication, mitigating the gritty feeling and dryness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may also be used to manage localized eye pain and accompanying headaches.
Antibiotics are entirely ineffective against AHC, as they target bacteria, not viruses. The use of topical corticosteroid eye drops is strongly discouraged, as they suppress the local immune response. This suppression can potentially lead to a secondary bacterial or fungal superinfection, complicating the recovery process.
Preventing Transmission and Return Guidelines
Strict hygiene is paramount to prevent the spread of this highly contagious infection during the entire symptomatic period. The virus transfers easily through direct contact with eye discharge or indirectly via contaminated surfaces and shared personal items. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective preventative measure, especially after touching the face or applying eye drops.
Individuals with AHC must avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye drops with others in their household. Regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and phones, is necessary to eliminate viral particles. Contact lens wearers must immediately discontinue use and discard all soft lenses and cleaning solutions used during the infection to prevent re-infection.
Regarding returning to work or school, the general guideline centers on the cessation of excessive, infectious discharge. Although policies vary, individuals are typically advised to remain isolated until the eyes are no longer weeping profusely, which often occurs around three to five days after the initial onset of symptoms. While some mild redness may persist, the reduced tearing indicates a significant drop in viral transmission, making a return to normal activities safer.
Recognizing Complications and When to Seek Medical Care
While the vast majority of Apollo eye infections resolve, certain symptoms serve as warning signs that require immediate professional medical evaluation. A doctor should be consulted if the infection persists beyond ten days, indicating the body is struggling to clear the virus or a secondary infection has developed.
Severe or rapidly worsening pain, not just a mild ache, is a red flag, as is significant light sensitivity (photophobia), or any noticeable change in vision. These symptoms may suggest that inflammation has progressed beyond the conjunctiva to involve the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, which can potentially impact visual acuity. A rare but serious complication associated with Enterovirus D70 is a temporary polio-like paralysis, making any new muscle weakness or neurological symptoms a medical emergency.