Conjunctivitis cases surge after heavy rains: What precautions should we take to prevent redness, blurry vision and eye discomfort?

Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in the number of conjunctivitis and eye flu patients in Delhi and the surrounding areas due to severe rainfall. Although this occurs every year, according to doctors from all throughout the city, this year's extraordinary showers, flooding, and increased atmospheric moisture have made things worse.

Cases have increased by roughly 50% to 60%, according to Dr. Soveeta Rath, Paediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Neuro Ophthalmology at Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, Daryaganj. "Children have been the most affected. Every third youngster develops conjunctivitis or red eyes. Thirty kids with conjunctivitis were seen in the OPD last week, she claims.

How does conjunctivitis spread? What is it?

The protective membrane that covers the white area of the eyeball, the conjunctiva, can become inflamed or irritated, a condition known as conjunctivitis. It is extremely contagious and is often referred to as pink eye. It is typically brought on by a viral or bacterial illness. It might accompany colds or respiratory infection symptoms like a sore throat. The use of improperly cleaned or borrowed contact lenses might result in bacterial conjunctivitis.

When you touch your eye after contacting contaminated materials, it spreads through direct contact. Therefore, while you have conjunctivitis, it's best to avoid sharing towels or other personal belongings. If you have come into contact with another patient's eye secretions, you could become infected.

A watery discharge during the day and a sticky discharge in the morning are the hallmarks of viral conjunctivitis. The eyelids could swell up significantly. Viral conjunctivitis typically clears up on its own in a week or two. Apply a warm compress to the eyes to treat viral infections. Additionally, lubricating eye drops or artificial tears might help soothe dryness and discomfort.

Bacterial conjunctivitis: Throughout the day, this typically results in a yellow or green, gooey discharge. The eyelids might swell, and the eyes will probably feel scratchy. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are frequently used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis in order to help the infection clear up.

Conjunctivitis allergica: This condition, which affects both eyes, is brought on by an allergen like pollen. Your eyes' mucous membrane releases inflammatory chemicals like histamines as a result. Red eyes are caused by this, however it is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis symptoms include what?

Common symptoms include discomfort, redness, hazy vision, persistent watering of the eyes, stickiness of the lids, fluid discharge, and crusting. While it frequently goes away on its own, according to Dr. Rath, symptomatic therapy is given to stop the infection from spreading.

Who is more susceptible to getting the infection?

Conjunctivitis can strike people of any age, according to Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals' Medical Director and Co-Founder Dr. Kamal B Kapur. However, because they frequently cluster together in groups at work and school and make close physical contact with one another, it is more common in children and young people. Adults who wear contact lenses and are exposed to contaminated, allergic irritants are most at risk for developing conjunctivitis. "The rapid spread is the reason that the numbers of the infected have almost doubled this year," he claims.

What should those who wear contacts do?

According to Dr. Kapur, they must be carefully cleaned each day. They are capable of inflicting bacterial conjunctivitis if improperly cleansed. Additionally, it is advisable to completely stop using such lenses if you have the infection until your ophthalmologist has examined you and given you the all-clear. Contact lens use over sick eyes is known to result in corneal ulcers and even the possibility of blindness.

How about preventive actions?

The consultant ophthalmologist at Fortis Hospital in Noida, Dr. Neetu Sharma, advises routine hand washing and avoiding touching your face or eyes. "Maintain cleanliness. If you know someone who has the virus, avoid using their products, especially eye makeup. Maintain a balanced, healthy diet and strengthen your immunity. Diabetes patients should be especially cautious because infections can produce more severe symptoms and take longer to heal.

How can conjunctivitis be treated?

The main focus of treatment is symptomatic alleviation. Cold compresses (for bacterial infections) and artificial tears can be bought over-the-counter without a prescription to assist ease some of the inflammation and dryness brought on by conjunctivitis. However, Dr. Sharma advises against using over-the-counter medications since they can do more harm than good. In addition, she advises against using steroid eye drops unless a doctor has recommended them.