30-40 conjunctivitis cases reported a day

With over 30-40 cases of conjunctivitis being reported in different hospitals and private clinics in the city on an average every day,doctors warn residents to be extra cautious to avoid eye flu especially in this rainy season.

With over 30-40 cases of conjunctivitis being reported in different hospitals and private clinics in the city on an average every day,doctors warn residents to be extra cautious to avoid eye flu especially in this rainy season. Though the virus had set in two months ago and declined to some extent,it has again come back with the monsoons. Residents will have to take extra care of their eyes,with a spurt in cases of conjunctivitis in the Tricity. Caused due to allergy or bacteria/ virus,the rainy season has added to the spread of this infection leading to itchy and painful eyes, said Dr K S Rana of the eye department at Government Multi Specialty Hospital,Sector 16 (GMSH-16).

Eye specialists in the Tricity maintain that this time around there is usually a rise in such cases as the weather is conducive for the virus to spread and stay on. The virus usually affects both eyes at the same time,although it may start in one eye and spread to the other after a day or two.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis,caused by allergy,include intense itching of the eyes,excessive watering,swelling,sneezing and running nose. Rana added,In fact,about a week ago the number of cases was much more though now; the situation is largely under control. Four-five cases are coming to the hospital daily. Nevertheless,those suffering from it should not ignore and must visit an eye specialist instead of indulging in self-medication. Sometimes,this infection can be serious and can leave a spot on the cornea which can adversely affect vision at later stages.

Dr R Kumar,an eye specialist running a private clinic in Sector 16,said,Though eye flu cases are reported throughout the year,we see more cases in the rainy season. Five to six cases are coming to us everyday. Sometimes the infection is contracted through another person . At times one gets infection from public places,public transport etc. So one should always wash hands and face thoroughly after reaching home.

He said there was no need for systemic antibiotics. But one should visit an ophthalmologist as there may occasionally be sight-threatening complications. The secretions are contagious. Therefore,a patient needs to be careful and use separate towels,bedsheets,etc, he added.

Four-five cases are being reported every day with watery discharge and swollen eye lids, said city-based ophthalmologist and Fortis Hospital (Mohali) consultant Dr Rajan Chugh. Parents should be careful with their children. They should not be sent to school. Towels and handkerchiefs should be kept separate to avoid spread of infection to other family members, he added.

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