Conjunctivitis cases surge after heavy rains: What precautions should we take to prevent redness, blurry vision and eye discomfort?

What is conjunctivitis and how does it spread?

Pink eye is most often caused by a viral or a bacterial infection and is highly contagious. (Designed by Abhishek Mitra)

Conjunctivitis is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is a protective membrane that sheaths the white part of the eyeball. Also known as pink eye, it is most often caused by a viral or a bacterial infection and is highly contagious. It can occur with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren’t cleaned properly or aren’t your own, can cause bacterial conjunctivitis.

It spreads by direct contact, when you have touched your eye after touching contaminated surfaces. Therefore, it is advised not to share towels or personal items when you develop conjunctivitis. You can contract the infection if you have had contact with eye secretions of another patient.

Viral Conjunctivitis:  This is characterised by watery discharge during the day and sticky discharge in the morning. The eyelids may become very swollen. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis resolve on their own within a week or two. Apply warm compress (for viral infections) to the eyes. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can also help relieve dryness and irritation.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: This normally causes a yellow or green sticky discharge throughout the day. The eyes will feel itchy, and the eyelids may become swollen. Bacterial conjunctivitis is often treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment to help clear the infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis: This affects both eyes and is a response to an allergy-causing substance such as pollen. This causes the mucous lining of your eyes to release inflammatory substances like histamines. This causes red eyes, but this is not infectious.

What are symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Pain, redness, blurry vision, constant watering of the eyes, stickiness of the lid, fluid discharge and crusting are common symptoms. While it often resolves on its own, Dr Rath says that symptomatic treatment is provided to reduce the spread of infection.

Who is at a higher risk of contracting the infection?
Dr Kamal B Kapur, Medical Director and Co-founder of Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, says that conjunctivitis can affect any age group. But it is seen more in children and young adults as they tend to huddle together at schools and workplaces and are in close body contact with each other. Adults who are most at risk for contracting conjunctivitis are those with exposure to the infected, allergic irritants and wear contact lenses. “The rapid spread is the reason that the numbers of the infected have almost doubled this year,” he says.

What should contact lens wearers do?

Dr Kapur says that they have to be cleaned properly on a daily basis. “If not cleaned properly they can cause bacterial conjunctivitis. And in case one has got the infection, it is advised to absolutely stop wearing those lenses until the ophthalmologist examines and clears you. Wearing contact lenses over infected eyes is known to cause corneal ulcers and possible blindness too,” he adds.

What about prevention measures?
Dr Neetu Sharma, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Fortis Hospital, Noida, recommends frequent hand-washing and refraining from touching your face and eyes. “Maintain hygiene. If someone you know has the infection, stay away from using the things the person uses, particularly eye make-up. Keep to a healthy balanced diet and build your immunity. People living with diabetes are prone to any infection and should watch out because the severity of symptoms and healing time are much more,” she says.

How can I treat conjunctivitis?
The treatment is mostly symptomatic relief. To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, cold compresses (for bacterial infections) and artificial tears can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. However, Dr Sharma says that it is important to consult an ophthalmologist as over the counter medicines can cause more harm than good. “Do not use steroid eye drops on your own unless prescribed by the doctor,” she adds.

Is there any difference between conjunctivitis and other eye infections?
Dr Sharma says that the other eye infections usually are lid infections, like hordeolum, corneal ulcers and endophthalmitis. “These are not contagious. However, corneal infections and endophthalmitis are more severe and serious infections,” she adds.