Weeping Sickness

Weeping sickness is an infection of the eyes which results in a near-constant flow of tears from one's tear ducts, and can further irritate the skin of one's eyelids.

Transmission & Vectors

Weeping sickness is an infection of the eyes and can occur when substances carrying the bacteria which are responsible for the sickness come in contact with one's eyes. The bacteria are generally transmitted through water or via bodily fluids from someone who is already infected. Weeping sickness is especially common in fields of work such as sewer workers, because there is a high risk of accidentally getting a substance in none's eye that may be infected with the bacteria. Because weeping sickness only affects the eyes, one might be carrying the bacteria elsewhere in one's body and unknowingly transfer it to another's or one's own eyes.

Causes

Bacteria are brought into the eyes, which causes the immune system of the eye to react. The bacteria themselves feed on the nutrients being carried to and from the eye, which may further exacerbate the issue. Most of the symptoms, however, are just the eye's way of trying to rid itself of the bacteria.

Symptoms

The most characteristic symptom of weeping sickness is extremely watery eyes, to the point where it appears that one is weeping, hence the name. The eyes may also turn somewhat pink around the whites and a mucus-like substance builds up in the corners of the eye. Weeping sickness can affect one or both of one's eyes, whether simultaneously or alternately.

Treatment

Weeping sickness can be treated and cured with a special solution made from celandine, horsetail, and salt, among other things. The affected eye is flushed three times with this solution each day for around a week, or until the infection is gone. A poultice can also be applied directly to the eye, which is left to sit for two days. This method is faster and cheaper, but far less comfortable.

Prevention

Weeping sickness can be prevented by practicing good ocular hygiene. This includes wearing protective equipment if one is working in a risky area and generally keeping things away from one's eyes. Additionally, for those that do for some reason need to touch their eyes, it is recommended to thoroughly wash one's hands to reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to the eyes.

Type

Bacterial

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare