Advise eye specialists, warning that abuse of the drug, while providing short-term relief for eye ailments like conjunctivitis, can cause permanent damage to the organ
Advise eye specialists, warning that abuse of the drug, u00a0while providing short-term relief for eye ailments like conjunctivitis, can cause permanent damage to the organ
While the civic body has alerted civilians of an outbreak of conjunctivitis in the city owing to weather fluctuations and extensive use of 3D glasses in cinema theatres, ophthalmologists have cautioned people against self-medication with steroid eye drops for treatment, warning that it may exacerbate the condition.
"Excessive and frequent use of steroid eye drops can lead to corneal ulcers. When this happens, the cornea turns opaque. 
Ophthalmologists caution people against self-medication with steroid eye drops for treatment, warning that it may exacerbate the condition
Every year, we treat at least five cases where patients have suffered this condition owing to excessive and indiscriminate use of eye drops.
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Steroid eye drops are popular among conjunctivitis patients as they give early relief. But people tend to continue using it beyond the necessary duration, which can cause permanent eye damage," said senior ophthalmologist, Dr T P Lahane.
Dr Ragini Parekh, head of the ophthalmology department at JJ hospital, said, "With the sudden change in weather, conjunctivitis is sure to spread.
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Every day we are treating at least two cases. We only prescribe antibiotic eye drops for conjunctivitis. But many a time patients directly approach the chemists and take the costlier steroid antibiotics for faster relief. This often exacerbates the condition."
Dr Darshan Chudgar, an ophthalmologist with Kohinoor hospital, said, "People complain of various eye problems, such as irritation caused by presence of foreign bodies, itching, eye discharge.u00a0 The doctor prescribes suitable eye drops for each of these symptoms.
However, the patient has a tendency to continue using the drops even after the prescribed duration, as they experience relief for a short duration after application. This kind of abuse of the drug can lead to serious conditions like glaucoma and cataracts."
"The most common types of conjunctivitis are viral and allergic. Mild steroid eye drops are used to provide relief
from the inflammation. However, recurring application of these drugs can lead to complications," explained Dr Chudgar.
"People should maintain basic hygiene and keep their eyes clean. When suffering from conjunctivitis, patients should don protective glasses to prevent the germs from spreading.
Avoid public places, and consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms. Self medication will only worsen the condition," said Dr Ambarish Darak, an eye surgeon.
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