Cloudy weather, humidity fuel spike in conjunctivitis cases

Ahmedabad: With cloudy skies and temperatures hovering around 35 degree celsius, the city has reported a rise in conjunctivitis cases as the weather creates favourable conditions for viral growth. City-based ophthalmologists said that while the increase is not alarming, the numbers have noticeably spiked compared to last month.Dr Tejas Desai, director of Nagri Eye Hospital, said the hospital is recording about 10 conjunctivitis cases daily. "The infection typically lasts for three to five days before symptoms subside. Patients first experience eye discomfort and redness or pinkness, followed by sticky discharge, especially in the morning, which can cause the eyelids to stick together," she said. "We advise patients not to rub their eyes and not to share the cloth used to wipe their eyes with anyone."Experts cautioned against self-medicating with eye drops, urging patients to consult a doctor or ophthalmologist. In severe cases, they warned, the infection could also affect the cornea if left untreated.Dr. Manish Rawal, a city-based ophthalmologist, noted that this year the severity is lower, but the spread is wider. "We have seen multiple members of the same family affected. It is not airborne, but spreads through direct contact, so maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. Timely treatment can help avoid complications," he said. "The combination of high heat and humidity following spells of rain creates ideal conditions for the infection."

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