Conjunctivitis cases on the rise, doctors advise caution

Hyderabad: Doctors have warned of an increase in conjunctivitis infection during the summer season, when allergic and viral conjunctivitis spreads widely, primarily owing to sun and dust exposure.

Allergic and viral conjunctivitis are two common kinds of conjunctivitis. Symptoms include redness, an itchy sensation in the eyes as well as swelling. It is most common in youngsters and those exposed to the sunlight and dust.

Dr Deepti Mehta, consultant ophthalmologist, stated that for the past two weeks, her hospital had seen seven cases of viral conjunctivitis and five to eight cases of allergic conjunctivitis on a daily basis.

There are three most common conjunctivitis in the summer season — allergic, viral, and contact lens acute red eye (CLARE) syndrome. Allergic conjunctivitis is more common in children, viral in adults, and CLARE is contact lens induced conjunctivitis.

People with thyroid disease, diabetes, vitamin D and B12 insufficiency, and excessive computer screen time are more prone to conjunctivitis,” Dr Deepti told Deccan Chronicle.

"Allergic conjunctivitis is on the rise right now because it's the peak summer season," said Dr B. Pranathi, head of the department of ophthalmology, cataract and refractive surgery. Children under the age of 14 who participate in swimming activities are more likely to get conjunctivitis as a result of contaminated or overly chlorinated water, she informed.

Additionally, people exposed to sunlight and dust for longer periods are being affected by conjunctivitis. “As long as there is no corneal involvement, there is nothing serious about the infection. If there is a corneal involvement, the vision can be affected,” Dr Pranathi explained.

 

The recovery period for viral conjunctivitis was approximately two weeks, however experts stated that it took more than three weeks for complete recovery in the case of allergic conjunctivitis.

Dr Akhil Bevara, consultant ophthalmologist, suggested eye care precautions, saying, "Avoid direct exposure to sunlight unless absolutely necessary, especially during peak heat hours of 10 am to 2 pm. Maintain good personal hygiene by frequently washing your hands. Try not to rub your eyes. Cleaning the eyes with clean, cold water on a regular basis will remove the dust particles and allergens that cause itching."

Doctors also advised not to take over-the-counter eye medications as well as consulting an eye specialist in case people show symptoms of conjunctivitis.