Conjunctivitis: Causes, how this viral eye an infection spreads, remedy and prevention suggestions

Aug 02, 2023 at 5:22 PM
Conjunctivitis: Causes, how this viral eye an infection spreads, remedy and prevention suggestions

For the previous few days, there was a regarding outbreak of conjunctivitis instances within the nation, especially among children, elevating considerations about monsoon-related diseases and because the instances are rising, it is vitally necessary to take the proper medicine to deal with this viral eye infection appropriately. There has been a 70% rise of eye infections over the past 2-3 weeks throughout India the place the current spell of rain and the ensuing floods have exacerbated the sanitation points and in line with well being consultants, that is inflicting an escalation in viral and bacterial ailments.

Conjunctivitis: Causes, how this viral eye infection spreads, treatment and prevention tips (Photo by Twitter/EmpoweringMMs)
Conjunctivitis: Causes, how this viral eye an infection spreads, remedy and prevention suggestions (Photo by Twitter/EmpoweringMMs)

Causes of conjunctivitis and the way it spreads:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Venkata Prabhakar, Consultant – Cornea, Cataract, Refractive Surgery at Sankara Eye Hospital Hyderabad, talked in regards to the sudden rise in viral eye an infection and revealed, “At present, the outbreak of Conjunctivitis is due to virus (Adenoviris). It is essential to maintain cleanliness and be very cautious when it comes to eyes. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the eye secretions of an infected person but you can also get infected if you touch your eye after touching a contaminated surface like doorknobs, door handles or bathroom sinks. However, taking proper care and following the doctor’s recommendations can prevent its spread with no long-term problems.”

Dr Naresh Chawla, Family Medicine Specialist at Dr Chawla’s Total Health Clinic and Consultant at Practo, shared, “In the monsoon months, conjunctivitis is not uncommon. However, this year, the number of cases is at an all-time high, mostly due to the incessant rain and floods that have plagued Delhi and many parts of the country. All kinds of viruses and bacteria have thrived in this unhygienic environment. Community spread has also increased, especially among school-aged children.”

Treatment:

According to Dr Venkata Prabhakar, following are the medicines used for Conjunctivitis –

  • Lubricating eye drops: Lubricating eye drops might help alleviate discomfort, redness, and dryness related to conjunctivitis. They present aid and promote quicker therapeutic.
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are prescribed to battle the an infection. It is essential to finish the complete course of antibiotics as prescribed by your Ophthalmologist.

Keeping the seriousness of the an infection in thoughts, it’s extremely advisable to all the time seek the advice of a physician earlier than taking any over-the-counter medication because the dosage would possibly differ from individual to individual and a physician’s steering is important to make sure efficient and protected remedy.

Precaution suggestions:

Dr Venkata Prabhakar really helpful the next precautions to take whereas placing the attention drop –

• Wash your palms earlier than placing the eye- drop

• Make certain that the tip of the dropper doesn’t contact any a part of the eyes

• If there’s a couple of drop wait for five minutes earlier than placing the following drop

• Sharing of eye drops isn’t advisable

Calling the unfold of conjunctivitis nothing untoward, Dr Naresh Chawla suggested, “Maintain good hygiene at all times, use separate towels, glasses and don’t rub your eyes. If you do get the infection, talk to your family physicians or eye specialists and ensure to take antibiotic drops and not steroid ones.”