Kolkata Is Witnessing A Surge In The Conjunctivitis Infection

The eye specialist across the city has noticed a sudden rise in the cases of various eye related diseases amongst which is Conjunctivitis.

Dr Soham Basak, Consultant, Cornea Department of Disha Eye Hospitals throws light on the increasing rate of Conjunctivitis, approx how many cases are reported each day, causes, prevention and cure.

For ophthalmologists, monsoons are synonymous with a spike in conjunctivitis. Also known as pink eye, eye flu or chokh otha. The higher humidity and wet high-touch surfaces (door knobs, lift buttons, railings etc) the viruses are transferred easily from person to person. Cases reported each day are widely variable. There’s a surge of approx 60-70 patients per day to report to our clinics across the city.

The weather is ideal for increased viral activity and most conjunctivitis are caused by adenoviruses. Some of the flu-like symptoms are associated with conjunctivitis.

Cause
Commonest cause for conjunctivitis is adenovirus. Other viruses like enterovirus or rotavirus can also cause pink eye. Sometimes they are part of cluster of symptoms like cold, fever, throat infection and pink eye – collectively known as pharyngo-conjunctival fever.

Another frequent cause of conjunctivitis is microsporidia – a group of microscopic parasites which happen from exposure to dirty or muddy water. Dirty water itself can cause irritation and toxicity leading to non-infective red eye.

Prevention
Avoid touching your eyes, especially in public places where your hands may come in contact with viruses. Wash hands after visiting crowded places.

In case you have pink eye/conjunctivitis, avoid sharing items which come in contact with eyes – towels, pillows, handkerchief etc.

Infective period is 5-7 days – where there is high chance of transmission of infection to others. Better to follow some isolation precautions during that time.

Conjunctivitis does not transmit by looking at someone infected. There’s got to be some direct/ indirect physical contact involved.

Cure
Most viral infections are self resolving. Eye drop and ointments are given to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like watering, discharge or irritation.

In case of severe swelling of lids or the cornea anti-inflammatory medicines are given by the doctor.

Mostly it is a harmless, but rather annoying bug to deal with in monsoons. In case of severe symptoms like lid swelling, blurred vision or light sensitivity, please visit your nearest eye doctor.