Conjunctivitis, sometimes known as “pink eye,” is becoming more common due to the country’s ongoing rain, particularly in New Delhi, Chandigarh, and Gujarat.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include reddening of the eyes, itchiness and pain, and a watery or thicker discharge. The illness may be brought on by germs, viruses, or allergies and, in certain situations, it may be very contagious.
As per the American Optometric Association (AOA), conjunctivitis, “often referred to as “pink eye”, is the swelling or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.”
As was previously mentioned, there are generally three varieties of conjunctivitis infections, and each has a unique set of reasons.
Common allergens like pollen or the prolonged use of a foreign object in the eye, such as hard contact lenses, can both lead to allergic conjunctivitis.
AOA terms bacterial conjunctivitis as a condition “most often caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria from your own skin or respiratory system”, while viral conjunctivitis “is most commonly caused by contagious viruses associated with the common cold. It can develop through exposure to the coughing or sneezing of someone with an upper respiratory tract infection.”
Chemical conjunctivitis is something which can be, “can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals”.
The majority of cases of conjunctivitis in New Delhi this year are caused by viruses. Nearly 100 instances of conjunctivitis are recorded daily, according to Dr. JS Titiyal, director of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, Delhi. “Almost every alternate year there is an epidemic of keratoconjunctivitis (an inflammatory process that involves both the conjunctiva and the superficial cornea) and mainly, it is adenovirus only with different strains. All the cases we have cultured this time have adenovirus. Very few cases have superadded bacterial infection like staphylococcus… Almost 99 percent of cases are coming with adenovirus,” Dr Titiyal added.
Conjunctivitis symptoms, as listed by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA, include “Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s); swelling of the conjunctiva and/or eyelids; increased tear production; feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s); itching, irritation, and/or burning; discharge (pus or mucus); crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning; contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye.”
A bacterial infection results in pus-like discharge, but viral conjunctivitis typically creates a watery discharge.
Symptom control is a common component of treatment. Doctors advise against using medications without a doctor’s prescription.
