Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by HBW2
All the states of India are facing an out break of conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ disease. Many states have already issued some health advisory to mitigate the sudden surge of this eye infection. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi is reporting 100 cases per day.
The Dr. Rajendra Prasad (RP) Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at the AIIMs noticed that the tested sample from infected eyes found adenovirus to be the causative agent. Among these, almost 20-30 percent cases have a positive bacterial population as well, which is pointing towards super added bacterial infections. Some common information regarding this disease will be helpful to combat the infection.
What is conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ disease?
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, it is more visible with red in color. In this condition whites i.e. sclera of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Considering the color of the eye, it is called as ‘pink eye’ disease.
Causes of conjunctivitis:
It is mainly caused by some viruses. Apart from this some bacteria, chemicals, pollen grains, foreign particles can also infect the eyes.
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
Conjunctivitis that happens due to bacteria or viruses is highly contagious. Although it is not air borne. It can spread through person to person very fast by the fluid which comes from infected person’s eye. This is because you can spread pink eye before you know you have it. We all touch our faces and eyes much more than we think.
There is a myth that if a person with conjunctivitis looks someone without any protective cover he or she might be infected.
Conjunctivitis caused by allergies isn’t contagious.
Symptoms of pink eye include:
Redness in the sclera of your eye or inner eyelid.
Increased tearing.
Thick yellow discharge that scab over your eyelashes, especially after sleep.
Gritty and itchy feeling in one or both eyes.
Sometimes vision gets blurred.
Increased sensitivity to light.
Eyelids get swollen.
When diagnosis is required:
If the effects of conjunctivitis is severe and prolonged then only diagnosis is required. Diagnostic center will use a soft-tipped stick to collect secretions from around your eye, then send the sample to a lab. The lab will run tests to find out what is the causing agent.
Available Treatments:
In most cases, you won’t need antibiotic eye drops. Since conjunctivitis is usually viral, antibiotics will not help. They may even cause harm by reducing their effectiveness in the future or causing a medicine reaction. Instead, the virus needs time to run its course. This typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks.
Antiviral medicines may be an option if your viral conjunctivitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. In this matter you need to consult a doctor before taking any medicine.
If severe conjunctivitis caused by bacteria you need to give anti biotic eye drops in consultation with doctors.
If the irritation is allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe one of many different types of eye drops for people with allergies. These may include medicines that help control allergic reactions, such as antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. Your doctor may recommend medicines to help control inflammation, such as decongestants, steroids and anti-inflammatory drops.
Home remedies and preventive measures:
Pink eye treatment is usually focused on symptom relief.
Using artificial tears in this regards lot of eye drops available in the market.
Cleaning your eyelids with a wet cloth.
Applying cold or warm compresses several times daily.
Use dark sunglasses when you are going outdoor. It will protect eyes from bright sun light as well as reduce the chances contamination.
It is advised not wear contact lenses them until treatment is complete.
Using of any type of make up or facial cosmetics are not recommended.
Washing the hands often with soap or liquid hand wash.
Avoiding rubbing or touching the affected eye.
Changing or washing bedding, such as pillowcases, sheets at frequent intervals are advised.
Use clean towels and wash the used towels at a high temperature.