Come monsoon, you know pink eye will do the rounds. Also called conjunctivitis, it is a highly contagious eye infection. It can spread from one person to another through infected eye secretions or contaminated objects.
The condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergens. It irritates and inflames the thin layer of the eye (conjunctiva), resulting in redness of the eyes. Hence the name – ‘pink eye’.
“The dampness in the monsoon season creates a favourable environment for the growth and spread of bacteria and viruses, leading to a sudden surge in cases,” explains Dr Kavitha B, senior resident ophthalmologist, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru.
Dr Mickey D Dhamejani, founder and consultant ophthalmologist, Dr Mickeys Eye Health Care Centre, Mumbai, makes a crucial observation. He says, “Stagnant water during the monsoon season leads to the breeding of mosquitoes and other insects. These insects are carriers of microorganisms. And when they come in contact with our eyes, we could develop conjunctivitis.”
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Pink/red eye
- Swelling of the conjunctiva
- Increased production of tears
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
- Itching
- Discharge
- Crusting of eyelids upon waking up
Sensitivity to light is also one of the main symptoms of conjunctivitis. Needless to say, this can cause acute discomfort. Dr Kavitha recommends wearing sunglasses. “It will also prevent dust and other particles from entering the eyes, and stop them from worsening the condition,” she says.
Types of conjunctivitis
Depending on the cause, conjunctivitis can be bacterial, viral, or even allergic. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often associated with pus and can lead to eyes sticking together. This type is often seen in children more than adults. When it comes to viral conjunctivitis, the infection starts with one eye and spreads to the other. The discharge is usually thin, and it may be accompanied by respiratory infections such as cold or flu.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, bacterial conjunctivitis can be managed with the help of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor while viral conjunctivitis has no specific management. The infection usually goes away in a week or two on its own.
In allergic conjunctivitis, one can get allergic symptoms such as itchy nose and sneezing along with redness and swelling of conjunctiva. It can also cause severe itching. This usually happens due to the body’s reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, moulds, pet dander, medicines and cosmetics. It is not contagious in nature and usually requires allergic medications for its management.
Preventive measures
Every parent knows children have a habit of touching dirt and then touching their face. Young ones are often not aware of hygiene, says Dr Dhamejani. So, it is good to educate them on personal hygiene to prevent conjunctivitis in children. Dr Kavitha agrees. She says both children and adults need to prioritise personal hygiene and gives the following tips to prevent conjunctivitis:
- Keep your surroundings clean.
- Wash hands regularly and avoid touching or rubbing eyes without washing hands as it can worsen the condition.
- Avoid close contact with infected people.
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, kerchiefs, bedspreads and blankets with infected individuals.
- Avoid going to crowded places during the monsoons.
Above all, if you already have the infection, isolate yourself. Wear sunglasses to prevent any eye irritation. After your treatment, do not use the same makeup, contact lens or any items again you touched during the infection period. Thoroughly clean the eyeglasses you used while you were infected. Do not self-medicate or use over-the-counter medications; go to an ophthalmologist.
