Measures to prevent conjunctivitis this monsoon season

Dr Anil Radhakrishnan, consultant and clinical associate professor, ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi said, "Monsoons are a time when diseases and eye infections are more common due to increased germs and viruses in the air."

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | July 17, 2023 12:00 PM IST

5 min read

In monsoon season, the humidity is very high, because of that bacteria and viruses get activated a lot. And when they infect our eyes--pink eye occurs. (Source: Freepik)

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Monsoon season brings the much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat. But we should be wary of the several infections that wreak havoc on our health this season due to the sudden increase in moisture levels. One of the most common infections monsoons brings along is conjunctivitis, which is also known as pink eye.

Talking about the issue, Dr Anil Radhakrishnan, consultant and clinical associate professor, ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi said, “Monsoons are a time when diseases and eye infections are more common due to increased germs and viruses in the air. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacterial or viral infections of the eye. It is characterised by symptoms such as redness and swelling of the eye, a yellow sticky discharge, eye irritation, and pain. These signs tend to spread easily in environments with higher moisture levels. School-going children are particularly prone to conjunctivitis during this season.”

So, if you are wondering how to keep this eye infection at bay, Dr Santosh Yadav, a pediatrician, recently took to Instagram to share some advice to prevent pink eye in monsoon season.

Have a look.

“During monsoon season, one case which is coming in a lot of numbers is of pink eye, that is conjunctivitis. Why is it happening? In the monsoon season, the humidity is very high, and because of that bacteria and viruses get activated a lot. And when they infect our eyes–pink eye occurs,” Dr Yadav said in the video.

He added, “So, what happens with the pink eye? Your eyes become red, itchiness and swelling occur, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and water discharge or pus will come out.”

As for home remedies, Dr Yadav suggested that the more you give your eyes rest, the better. “Stay away from screens. Don’t go in direct sunlight. Hot water and cold-water compression will give relief to your eyes.”

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Prevention is always better than cure, he highlighted. “I have seen that if one person has it at home, then it happens to all the members. Why does this happen? Because we don’t wash our hands frequently. We use the same towel to clean our bodies and eyes as other people, or we put our hands on our eyes without cleaning them. So, you have to frequently hand wash, don’t touch your eyes, keep different towels, and keep bed linen and pillows separate. This will help in prevention.”

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread easily through direct or indirect contact with infected secretions, such as sharing napkins or touching contaminated surfaces, said Dr Radhakrishnan. It can also be transmitted through contaminated water or towels used during swimming. However, there are several simple measures you can take to prevent its occurrence, according to the expert:

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Follow the advice of your doctor and use lubricating eye drops as recommended to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. (Source: Freepik)

*Wash hands regularly: Practising good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
*Avoid touching your eyes: Refrain from touching your eyes with unwashed hands, as this can introduce bacteria or viruses into the eye.
*Promptly seek medical attention: If you experience early symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, sticky discharge, watering, or pain, do not hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist for a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
*Personal items: Avoid sharing personal items like towels, clothes, pillows, or bedspreads with others, as conjunctivitis can spread through commonly touched items.
*Avoid sharing eye drops: Even if multiple family members are affected by conjunctivitis, it is crucial not to share eye drops, as this can increase the risk of transmission.
*Maintain separate linens: Keep your towels, bed sheets, and clothes separate from those of other family members to minimise the risk of contamination.
*Protect your eyes: If you have already contracted conjunctivitis, consider wearing glasses or a face shield to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
*Use recommended eye drops: Follow the advice of your doctor and use lubricating eye drops as recommended to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.