4. Red Eyes (Conjunctivitis): A Window to Viral Invasion
Eyes, often termed the windows to the soul, become unwitting participants in the measles saga. Conjunctivitis, characterized by red, watery eyes, becomes a hallmark symptom. But this isn’t the typical eye redness one might experience due to fatigue or irritants. It’s an inflammatory response, a direct consequence of the measles virus’s incursion.
The redness, in medical parlance termed as “hyperemia,” is striking. It lends the eyes a bloodshot appearance, almost as if they’ve been painted with a crimson brush. This isn’t merely cosmetic; it’s the body’s response to the virus taking residence in the conjunctival cells, the delicate membrane covering the white of the eyes.
A deeper dive reveals that this redness isn’t just confined to the visible parts. Even the inner eyelids bear the brunt of the inflammation. The result? An itchy, gritty sensation, almost as if there’s a foreign particle trapped inside. This is further accompanied by a watery discharge, lending the eyes a perpetually teary appearance. (4)
