Ophthalmologist Kazantsev explained how to avoid conjunctivitis and when self-treatment is not allowed

Ophthalmologist Anton Kazantsev warned that when eyes become red, antibiotics and steroid drops should not be used on one's own: the cause of the inflammation — a virus, an allergy or dryness — cannot be determined without an examination. He also listed preventive measures and signs that require urgent care.

Otabek YusupovFirst published on tafs uz 6 November 2026 at 05:532 min read

The key facts

Ophthalmologist Anton Kazantsev, in an interview with Radio 1, warned against self-treating conjunctivitis with antibiotics and steroid drops
Adenoviruses can cause a cold and eye inflammation at the same time; an infection cannot be distinguished from an allergy or dryness by symptoms alone
Pain, severe light sensitivity, and sudden or persistent deterioration of vision require urgent care

Why self-treating red eyes is dangerous

Ophthalmologist and Candidate of Medical Sciences Anton Kazantsev warned that when eyes become red and inflamed, one should not start taking antibiotics on one's own: the cause may be a virus, against which such drugs are powerless. He spoke about this in an interview with Radio 1 (retelling — Life.ru). According to the specialist, adenoviruses can cause a cold and conjunctivitis at the same time, and redness, tearing and discharge do not allow one to tell an infection from an allergy or dry eye syndrome at a glance. Drops containing steroids must not be used without a doctor's prescription either.

Prevention and warning signs

For prevention, Kazantsev recommended washing hands after public transport and before touching the eyes, giving up the habit of rubbing them with dirty hands, and also not sharing towels, cosmetics and eye drops with other people. If the eyes are red and uncomfortable, contact lenses should be removed — the ophthalmologist advises carrying glasses with you so as not to endure the discomfort until returning home. If inflammation is suspected, one should see a doctor, while pain, severe light sensitivity, and sudden or persistent deterioration of vision require urgent care.

Where the 'sand' in the eyes in the morning comes from

Earlier, Life.ru looked into why a sensation of sand in the eyesappears after sleep. Among the possible causes mentioned were dry air in the bedroom, allergens in bedding, and incomplete closure of the eyelids at night. This adds to the picture of autumn eye complaints: some of the discomfort is associated not with an infection but with sleeping conditions, which is also impossible to determine without an examination.