Mononucleosis and Vision Disorders

Mono or Infectious mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus is not as infectious as a common cold. It can, however, be transmitted to another person by cold symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Infectious mononucleosis, often colloquially called the kissing disease, can be transmitted literally through kissing or contact with saliva of an infected person.

Though mononucleosis itself isn't usually very serious, complications arising out of it may be a cause for concern. It is not necessary that mononucleosis should lead to vision disorders, but it is possible though.

Encephalitis which is a kind of inflammation of the brain is a potential complication of mononucleosis. The most common cause of Encephalitis is viral infection. The same Epstein-Barr virus which causes infectious mononucleosis is also one possible virus which can cause Encephalitis.

Symptoms of encephalitis include double vision, hallucinations and difficulty looking at bright lights. The Epstein-Barr virus can also lead to conjunctivitis or keratitis (refers to inflammation of the cornea). Other possible complications of mononucleosis include - enlargement of the spleen and liver issues like hepatitis or jaundice.

Treatment for Mononucleosis

The fact about mononucleosis is that there is no particular medication or therapy which can treat infectious mononucleosis, because antibiotics cannot cure viral infections such as mononucleosis. The only treatment for this infection is plenty of rest and drinking plenty of water or fluids (fruit juice for example).

Gargling with lukewarm salt water can also provide relief from sore throat caused due to mono. To make this solution, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Rinse and gargle with this solution several times a day.

Though over-the-counter pain killers cannot treat the virus they can provide some relief from the pain. However, for children infected with mono, it is advisable to consult the doctor and inform him about the child’s medical history before administering Aspirin for pain relief.

Some old folk remedies claim to effectively cure mono. Examples include, consuming four tablespoons of coconut oil (two in the morning and two in the evening), or including a considerable amount of garlic in your diet. Another such remedy includes consuming 30 ml of cranberry juice for 7 days. Since these remedies are not based on scientific research, it is best to consult a physician before trying them.

References:

http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=56&channel_id=1020&relation_id=71085

answered by G M

Vision and mononucleosis -

Vision can be definitely effected with mononucleosis. It can lead to optic neuritis. This is common in children as well as adults. May lead to blurred vision and blindness if untreated.

answered by D M K

Can vision be affected by Mononucleosis?