​Conjunctivitis cases surge in Delhi, 100 cases in AIIMS daily; know the signs of this contagious eye infection​

Several cases of conjunctivitis are being reported on a daily basis in the national capital region. "We are getting at least 100 cases of conjunctivitis per day. There is usually a seasonal increase in conjunctivitis cases, which coincides with the flu season. The conjunctivitis cases are mostly caused by virus," Dr JS Titiyal, chief of RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS told news agency ANI.

"In a daily OPD of 100 patients, we observe 10 to 15 cases of conjunctivitis. Because of this, various eye illnesses account for roughly 10% - 15% of patients that visit the OPD. However, these are only those with severe conjunctivitis who seek medical attention and visit the OPD; since many mild conjunctivitis patients have online video consultations, their true number may be more than that of OPD visitors," says Dr. Parul Sharma, Director & HOD, Ophthalmology, Max Hospital, Gurgaon.

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"The most prevalent cause of eye flu during the rainy season is eye conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye. This condition is caused by a group of the adenovirus family, which are highly contagious and spread quickly," says Dr. Sharma. "Despite the fact that the monsoon season is the ideal time for viruses and bacteria to multiply due to heat, humidity, and water logging, the viral conjunctivitis outbreak this time is considerably worse than in years past. However, due to the virus's apparent increased contagiousness, this year's frequency of conjunctivitis is unusual, nearly doubling that of previous years," the expert adds.

"It is community acquired infection which is very contagious and spread rapidly though bacteria, viruses and germs present in the nearby surroundings. It spreads via personal contact, and an uninfected person can become infected by coming into contact with an infected person's ocular secretions and then touching their own eyes," says Dr. Sharma and urges to avoid getting the infection.

The common signs of conjunctivitis which is being seen in patients these days are redness, swelling, watery eyes and itching in the eyes. In this infection there is a swelling of the conjunctiva or the thin layer in the eyes; there is an increase in tear production, there is fluid discharge from the eyes and one has crusts in the eyes, especially in the morning.

"It is targeting every age group be it young, adults, Senior citizens but nowadays we are seeing more of kids and children coming to us with such symptoms of eye flu and it is advised to them and their parents to follow the necessary prevention tips and be safe," says Dr Sharma.

She advises to wash hands frequently, avoid touching eyes, wear spectacles, and goggles, and avoid sharing personal belongings like towels, handkerchiefs or bedding with a person having conjunctivitis at home, avoid public places like water parks and swimming pools.

Dr Sharma shares an important message for all. She advises people not to self medicate during this infection and instead get treated from the doctor at the earliest or as soon as the signs of the infection are seen. "Avoid wearing contact lens and visit nearest eye specialist immediately in such cases," she says.

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