Protect your eyes from conjunctivitis: Expert tips for prevention and care

Seasonal transitions often bring a surge in infections Just like flu and fever pink eye or conjunctivitis joins the ranks as a common ailment during weather shifts Amidst persistent rainfall across the country cases of conjunctivitis are on the riseTo address this growing concern Midday Online reached out to health experts who have shared preventative measures against the pink eyeUnderstanding ConjunctivitisTermed pink eye conjunctivitis is an infectious and highly contagious condition resulting from irritation or inflammation of the conjunctivamdasha layer that covers the eyeballs white part The adenoviruss increase in the air contributes to conjunctivitis according to Dr Akshay Anant Dhamne consultant physician at DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital in Pimpri PuneCommenting on the causes of rise in conjunctivitis Dr Chinmay Sanghvi consultant ophthalmologist Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road Mumbai says ldquoCases of conjunctivitis may be on the rise due to increased exposure to infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria in crowded places or closecontact settings Poor hand hygiene and touching the eyes can also contribute to its spreadrdquoCommon symptoms of conjunctivitisWhile redness in the eyes can occur due to several reasons one must check for the following symptoms to confirm pink eye infection1 Redness of the eyes2 Itching irritation3 Excessive tearing4 Discharge of watery or puslike substance5 Sensitivity to light6 Swollen eyelidsGuidelines to curb the spread of infectionIf you have conjunctivitis it is necessary to stay hygienic to curb the spread of infection and prevent further complications Dr Santosh Bhide senior consultant eye surgeon Ruby Hall Clinic Pune lists down things that you must refrain from doing if infected with pink eye1 Refrain from touching your eyes repeatedly to prevent aggravating the condition If you accidentally touch your eyes wash them immediately with soap and water or sanitize them without touching other surfaces to avoid contamination2 Sharing personal items like towels and handkerchiefs should be strictly avoided to prevent transmission of the infection to others It is best to keep your towels and clothes separate from those of others and wash them separately to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of spreading conjunctivitis3 Another crucial aspect is to refrain from selfmedication Donrsquot take any medication without consulting an eye doctor Sharing eye drops with family members should also be avoided as different eye conditions require specific treatments and using medication prescribed to the patient may not be suitable for others4 To prevent the spread of infection it is important to avoid crowded places and stay away from the office or school if you have an eye infection5 Additionally it is advisable not to send infected children to schools until they have fully recoveredBy following these guidelines one can effectively manage conjunctivitis and reduce the risk of infecting othersWays to soothe itchiness caused due to the virusesMost patients with conjunctivitis complain of irritation and itchiness making it hard for them to resist scratching or rubbing their eyes As a temporary relief Dhamne suggests doing the following1 Use a warm compress to help reduce the sticky buildup of discharge on the eyelids or crust that forms on your eyelashes2 Take the help of cold compresses to help relieve itching and inflammation3 Avoid using contact lenses4 Rinse your eyes frequentlyRecovery time and risks of not treating pink eyeMost cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild and the infection usually clears up within 7 to 14 days Ignoring and not treating conjunctivitis can lead to potential complications like corneal ulceration or keratitis which can threaten visionOther common causes of redness in the eyesThough our mind thinks of conjunctivitis when we experience either redness or itching in the eyes red or burning eyes can also point towards other eye conditions Dry eye syndrome environmental irritants like smoke or pollution eye strain caused due to excessive exposure to screens and contact lensrelated issues are some common reasons behind redness and burning of the eyes These conditions may cause eye pain a feeling of something being stuck in the eye blurred vision and light sensitivityTo ensure the good health of your eyes here are a few habits you can adopt1 Clean your eyes from time to time Splash water in your eyes to wash off dust pollutants and other allergens2 To soothe the eyes you can use a warm compress3 Avoid straining the eyes Restrict screen exposure when possible4 Wear sunglasses when stepping out in the sun to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays5 Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes fresh and hydrated6 Maintain a balanced diet that includes eyehealthy nutrients7 Avoid smoking8 Go for regular eye checkups9 Practice proper eye hygiene Avoid touching your eyes with dirty handsfingers10 Consult an eye doctor if you experience severe eye pain sudden vision changes persistent eye redness or discharge or if the symptoms do not improve with home remedies or OTC treatmentsAlso Read BMC issues warning for city as conjunctivitis cases surge in state