Protect your eyes from conjunctivitis: Expert tips for prevention and care

Seasonal transitions often bring a surge in infections. Just like flu and fever, pink eye or conjunctivitis joins the ranks as a common ailment during weather shifts. Amidst persistent rainfall across the country, cases of conjunctivitis are on the rise.

To address this growing concern, Mid-day Online reached out to health experts who have shared preventative measures against the pink eye.

Understanding Conjunctivitis:
Termed pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infectious and highly contagious condition resulting from irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva - a layer that covers the eyeball's white part. The adenovirus's increase in the air contributes to conjunctivitis, according to Dr Akshay Anant Dhamne, consultant physician at DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital in Pimpri, Pune.

Commenting on the causes of rise in conjunctivitis, Dr Chinmay Sanghvi, consultant ophthalmologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai says, "Cases of conjunctivitis may be on the rise due to increased exposure to infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria, in crowded places or close-contact settings. Poor hand hygiene and touching the eyes can also contribute to its spread."

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis:
While redness in the eyes can occur due to several reasons, one must check for the following symptoms to confirm pink eye infection

1. Redness of the eyes

2. Itching, irritation

3. Excessive tearing

4. Discharge of watery or pus-like substance

5. Sensitivity to light

6. Swollen eyelids

Guidelines to curb the spread of infection
If you have conjunctivitis, it is necessary to stay hygienic to curb the spread of infection and prevent further complications. Dr Santosh Bhide, senior consultant eye surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic Pune lists down things that you must refrain from doing if infected with pink eye

1. Refrain from touching your eyes repeatedly to prevent aggravating the condition. If you accidentally touch your eyes, wash them immediately with soap and water or sanitize them without touching other surfaces to avoid contamination.

2. Sharing personal items like towels and handkerchiefs should be strictly avoided to prevent transmission of the infection to others. It is best to keep your towels and clothes separate from those of others and wash them separately to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of spreading conjunctivitis.

3. Another crucial aspect is to refrain from self-medication. Don't take any medication without consulting an eye doctor. Sharing eye drops with family members should also be avoided, as different eye conditions require specific treatments, and using medication prescribed to the patient may not be suitable for others.

4. To prevent the spread of infection, it is important to avoid crowded places and stay away from the office or school if you have an eye infection.

5. Additionally, it is advisable not to send infected children to schools until they have fully recovered.

By following these guidelines, one can effectively manage conjunctivitis and reduce the risk of infecting others.

Ways to soothe itchiness caused due to the viruses
Most patients with conjunctivitis complain of irritation and itchiness making it hard for them to resist scratching or rubbing their eyes. As a temporary relief, Dhamne suggests doing the following:

1. Use a warm compress to help reduce the sticky buildup of discharge on the eyelids or crust that forms on your eyelashes.

2. Take the help of cold compresses to help relieve itching and inflammation.

3. Avoid using contact lenses.

4. Rinse your eyes frequently

Recovery time and risks of not treating pink eye
Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild and the infection usually clears up within 7 to 14 days. Ignoring and not treating conjunctivitis can lead to potential complications like corneal ulceration or keratitis, which can threaten vision.

Other common causes of redness in the eyes
Though our mind thinks of conjunctivitis when we experience either redness or itching in the eyes, red or burning eyes can also point towards other eye conditions. Dry eye syndrome, environmental irritants like smoke or pollution, eye strain caused due to excessive exposure to screens and contact lens-related issues are some common reasons behind redness and burning of the eyes. These conditions may cause eye pain, a feeling of something being stuck in the eye, blurred vision and light sensitivity.

To ensure the good health of your eyes, here are a few habits you can adopt:

1. Clean your eyes from time to time. Splash water in your eyes to wash off dust, pollutants and other allergens.

2. To soothe the eyes, you can use a warm compress

3. Avoid straining the eyes. Restrict screen exposure when possible.

4. Wear sunglasses when stepping out in the sun to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays.

5. Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes fresh and hydrated.

6. Maintain a balanced diet that includes eye-healthy nutrients.

7. Avoid smoking

8. Go for regular eye check-ups

9. Practice proper eye hygiene. Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands/fingers.

10. Consult an eye doctor if you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, persistent eye redness or discharge or if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies or OTC treatments.

Also Read: BMC issues warning for city as conjunctivitis cases surge in state