As cases of conjunctivitis rise due to persistent rains, people with uncontrolled diabetes should be extra careful. Abnormal sugar levels can further compromise one’s immunity, putting them at higher risk of infections, including pink eye.
Several states in India are reporting a surge in the cases of pink eye. Experts say they get more than 100 cases a day in the OPD. While the infection is highly contagious, they advise not to panic and seek medical advice on time. Necessary precautionary measures can help contain the spread.
The most common form of conjunctivitis is adenoviral conjunctivitis, caused by the adenovirus. Dr Gairik Kundu, consultant, corneal refractive surgery, Narayana Nethralaya, Bengaluru, says that the virus can cause both conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by touching surfaces with discharge from an infected eye. “It does not spread by looking at the infected eye. It spreads when someone with infection rubs his eyes and touches an object such as a table, and another person comes in contact with it before rubbing their eyes,” he explains.
Can conjunctivitis be caused by diabetes?
Uncontrolled sugar levels can affect the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight an infection. Dr Kundu highlights that immune status plays an important role in contracting conjunctivitis. Hence, one’s immune profile is looked at using the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test when they are infected. “Low vitamin D levels, pre-existing allergy conditions and uncontrolled diabetes add to the risk of contracting conjunctivitis,” he adds.
Dr Giridhar Adapa, endocrinologist, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, shares that people with diabetes are also at increased risk of developing conjunctival bacterial infections, including acute infectious conjunctivitis. He says that its symptoms depend upon the severity of the infection, which, in turn, depends on blood sugar levels.
People with conjunctivitis may have symptoms such as redness in one or both eyes, swelling of the eyelid, making it difficult to open the eyes, water discharge and stickiness. “The cornea can also get affected after the infection subsides, leading to blurring of the vision. This risk is higher in people with diabetes,” says Dr Kundu.
As those with diabetes are more susceptible to pink eye and can take longer to recover, it is crucial for them to be careful. Dr Kundu says, “Many people ignore the infection initially and get over-the-counter drugs when they notice some redness in their eyes. By the time they reach the hospital, the infection gets severe.” Dr Adapa adds, “Early identification and prompt treatment in severe cases and controlling sugar levels can contain the spread and help in faster recovery.”
Dr Kundu also highlights that the condition is self-limiting and usually, one takes between five days and three weeks to recover. He says as long as people follow precautionary measures and do regular follow-ups and keep their blood sugar under control, the spread and severity of the infection can be reduced.
Prevention of conjunctivitis
Experts recommend the following measures to prevent the infection:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Use clean tissues to clear any tear secretions from the eyes.
- Use swimming goggles to avoid getting infected while in public pools.
- Avoid sharing common towels or bath soaps if a family member is infected.
- Ensure your blood sugar level is under control.
- Get medical advice soon, if infected, to prevent complications.
Takeaways
- People with uncontrolled diabetes, low vitamin D levels, and pre-existing allergies are at higher risk of contracting conjunctivitis.
- Abnormal sugar levels can compromise people’s immunity, putting them at higher risk of infections like conjunctivitis. It can also delay the recovery.
- Proper control of blood sugar, early identification and timely medical intervention can aid the recovery.
