Conjunctivitis cases are on rise at an alarming rate across the country. Jammu and Kashmir is also witnessing a surge in conjunctivitis (pink eye) cases as 17,225 cases have been reported with OPDs of hospitals busy with patients. Doctors attribute it to incessant rain, humid conditions, waterlogging, the ideal conditions for spread of virus and bacteria.
Also known as Eye Flu or pink eye, conjunctivitis can cause red and itchy eyes with sticky discharge. Caused due to allergy or infection, conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. Eye Flu is common in monsoons due to high humidity and presence of more pathogens than usual.
To know more about the conjunctivitis, its causes, symptoms and precautions that need to be taken, Rising Kashmir’s Senior Health Correspondent, M Peerzada interviews Dr Afroz Khan, Professor and Dr Sadaf Altaf, Consultant, in the Department of Ophthalmology, GMC Srinagar, who talk about the situation and the way forward.
What is conjunctivitis and why is it called pink eye?
Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. The small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated causing the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.
What causes conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria or by allergies.
There has been a rise in conjunctivitis cases over the past 15 days in Kashmir? What is the reason behind the rise in cases?
Incessant rains and flood situations in many parts of the country have led to poor hygiene. The high humidity is also a favourable factor for the spread of the disease.
How Does Eye Flu Spread?
It spreads with direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids and usually through hand-to-eye contact. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching eyes can lead to conjunctivitis. Spread of the infection from viruses living in the person’s own nose and sinuses. Not cleaning contact lenses properly and using poorly fitting contact lenses can lead to spread of infection.
What are its symptoms?
The most common pink eye symptoms include: Redness, itchiness, gritty feeling, discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning, tearing, sensitivity to light, called photophobia.
Do patients need to worry if they have the infection?
Usually, viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own in 7-14 days even without treatment, patients just need to follow hygiene measures to prevent the spread.
What precautions should be taken by the people?
These tips should be followed to prevent infection and transmission:
· Use a clean towel or tissue each time you wipe your face and eyes.
· Wash your hands very often.
· Always wash them before and after you eat, when you go to the bathroom, or after you sneeze or cough.
· Try not to touch your eyes. If you do, wash your hands right away. Do not use eye makeup while your eyes are infected and never share eye makeup with others.
· Make sure to clean or replace your contact lenses exactly as your ophthalmologist recommends.
· You should not wear contact lenses until the conjunctivitis goes away.
· Also avoid crowded places/schools for children/swimming pools while you have conjunctivitis.
How important is maintaining hygiene?
Hygiene is the most important factor that can prevent the spread and transmission of conjunctivitis as direct contact with infected secretions is the main mechanism of spread on infection.
What are your suggestions for people having comorbidities and suspect of catching the pink eye infection?
People having comorbidities who are susceptible to getting the infection should avoid going to crowded places, maintain hygiene strictly with frequently washing hands, keep their towels and handkerchief separate, and use sanitizers.
How much time does it take to recover?
Viral conjunctivitis usually takes 7-14 days to resolve.
If anyone has conjunctivitis what should they do?
Symptom relief with artificial tears, cold-compresses, and antihistamines can be effective.
Does the conjunctivitis spread by looking at the infected person?
It is a myth, conjunctivitis does not spread by looking at the infected person, it basically spreads by coming in direct contact with infected secretions.
How important is consulting an ophthalmologist, since there are not ophthalmologists in every hospital?
Though usually viral conjunctivitis resolves without complications, and cold compresses and antihistamines are most helpful for symptomatic relief, over-the-counter drugs can do more harm than good and steroid/antibiotic drops should only be used if prescribed by an ophthalmologist Also, if symptomatic treatment does not give relief to the patient then an ophthalmologist consultation is required.
What is the best treatment for conjunctivitis?
Cold compresses, artificial tears and topical antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment. However, if secondary bacterial infection or infiltrates are present then topical antibiotics/steroids are to be used.
How can we stop conjunctivitis from spreading?
As already mentioned, we need to follow a few precautions like washing hands frequently, avoiding touching and rubbing eyes, sharing personal items, wearing contact lenses, crowded places and swimming pools.
