Monsoon, also known as the flu season, brings with it a host of viral and bacterial infections. The increased humidity and dampness during this season create a favorable atmosphere for bacteria and viruses to thrive. As many of these infections are contagious, they can easily be transmitted from one person to another.

Like every year during this season, even this year, we are witnessing a nationwide upsurge in the cases of ‘Conjunctivitis‘, alsoknown as ‘Pink Eye‘. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin mucous membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of our eyelids, caused by various factors, including viral, bacterial infections, parasitic infestation, allergies, or exposure to certain chemicals. Of all the types of conjunctivitis, ‘Follicular Conjunctivitis’, caused by a particular group of viruses like adenovirus, is most commonly seen during this time.

While follicular conjunctivitis can be uncomfortable, it is not typically vision-threatening, and most cases resolve without lasting effects. However, timely treatment and proper care are crucial to prevent complications. It can affect individuals of all ages, but young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to this condition

Doctor’s advice: If you experienceany symptoms of conjunctivitis, seek prompt medical care to prevent complications. Take proper precautions and adhere diligently to the prescribed treatment while practising good hygiene to protect your eyes and prevent infecting those around you. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and steroids should be avoided and used only under the guidance of a healthcare professional when necessary.

Types of Follicular Conjunctivitis

• Sore throat with conjunctivitis known as ‘Pharyngo-conjunctival-fever (PCF)’: It is often mild and commonly seen in children and young adults who recently had a cold or respiratory infection. Most of the cases we are seeing currently are of PCF.
• Advanced conjunctivitis known as Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: It is less common and can be severe, affecting the front of the eye (cornea) and may cause long-lasting vision difficulties.

Precautions that can be taken to curb its spread:

• Conjunctivitis is contagious, so the infected person should isolate themselves from other family members and the community.
• Additional precautions to prevent its spread include frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, and refraining from sharing personal items.

Symptoms 

• Redness
• Itching
• Excessive eye discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• In some cases, it can result in fever and mild throat pain

Treatment

Treatment options vary based on the type and cause of the condition. They may include supportive therapy, warm compresses, lubricating eye drops, and analgesics to relieve discomfort or inflammation.

Additionally, avoiding wearing contact lenses and gently cleaning eye discharge with a soft, damp cloth is recommended during treatment.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and steroids should be avoided and used only under the guidance of a healthcare professional when necessary.

Dr Muralidhar Ramappa
Cornea Consultant
L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)

The post Upsurge in Pink Eye Conjunctivitis appeared first on Health Vision.

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eye ball and the inner eye lid. It can be infectious or allergic. It spreads if one comes in contact with a person who has conjunctivitis. The condition is caused due to Virus or Bacteria. Viral infections are at its peak during monsoon season because of the sudden increase in moisture levels. During this time eyes are the worst affected.

Viral conjunctivitis is mostly caused by adenoviruses or entero viruses. Patients usually suffer from pain in the eye , watering , redness , sticking of eye lashes and swollen eyelids. Depending on the severity, sometimes the cornea also gets affected causing blurring of vision, glare and increased sensitivity to light. Some of these patients have fever, rhinitis and Pharyngitis known as common cold.

COVID AND CONJUCTIVITIS :

There are patients who have Covid 19 and Conjunctivitis. Sometimes acute conjunctivitis can be the only presenting sign and symptom in Covid 19. If you see someone with a pink eye, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean that a person is infected with corona virus. Based on the data so far, studies show that 1 – 3 % of people with Covid 19 will get conjunctivitis. So if you have conjunctivitis from Covid 19,  you may infect others if you touch your eyes and then touch people  or surfaces without washing or disinfecting your hands .

So it is very important to avoid touching your face, especially the mucous membrane in your mouth, nose and eyes. Acute allergic conjunctivitis is a seasonal allergy which turns up during monsoons. So if one has redness , itchy watery eyes , difficulty in blinking , dry eyes for more than two days, then it is better to visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible , it might be allergic conjunctivitis .

These symptoms can be relieved on using ocular anti histamines which block the actions of histamine, the chemical that causes these symptoms of allergy. Lubricants help in relieving dry eyes, If these medicines fail , then steroid eye drops once prescribed to relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis but under supervision .

SOME DO’S & DON’T’S :

1. Here are few tips to protect yourself from conjunctivitis this monsoon.

2. Maintaining personal hygiene is the most important precaution one has to take .

3. Wash your hands specially before eating after using restroom, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

4. Avoid touching your face particularly your eyes, nose and mouth.

5. Avoid close contact with sick people.

6. Stay home when you are sick.

7. If you wear contact lenses avoid using them during monsoon, as the chances of infection is higher during monsoon.

8. Do not share cosmetics.

So it is important to remember that although there is lot of concern about conjunctivitis, precautionary measures can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. So wash your hands frequently follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

Also Read: DON’T TOUCH YOUR EYES- WEAR PROTECTIVE GLASSES

Dr.Rohini
Senior cataract, Lasik & ICL Surgeon
Maxivision Group of Eye hospitals
Hyderabad

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