After viral influenza, conjunctivitis is spreading in the Delhi air. Conjuctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the white portion of the eye —  which results in a pink eye and watery discharge. Though eye infections are quite common during the monsoon season, doctors have seen an increase in the number of people suffering from the disease over the last couple of weeks.

However, most of these cases are of  allergic conjunctivitis. 

“Allergic conjunctivitis is common among young people during and after monsoon and normally lasts for about two weeks or more,” said Dr Ritika Sachdev, director health services, Centre for Sight chain of eye hospitals. 

“Because the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are milder, many people don’t realise they are suffering from conjunctivitis,” she added. Mild conjunctivitis is usually benign and self-limiting and can be easily treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, steroids are prescribed but doctors advise people against self-medication.

“One should not opt for steroids or any other medication without consulting a doctor. See a doctor as soon as you sense a discomfort in your eyes because this is that time of the year when eye infections are very common,” said a senior eye specialist at AIIMS.

Unlike the viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.