Residents see red over rise in conjunctivitis

The monsoon has just arrived and the city has started witnessing a rise in the number of conjunctivitis cases. Doctors have warned that kids can fall prey to the eye infection easily.

The monsoon has just arrived and the city has started witnessing a rise in the number of conjunctivitis cases. Doctors have warned that kids can fall prey to the eye infection easily.

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Ophthalmologists have started registering an increase in the number of such cases.

“The number of conjunctivitis patients has increased in the last one month. The number has reached two-three in a day. It may increase to five by the next month. The schools have just opened and kids are normally careless about the eye care making them vulnerable to the flu,” said Dr Anita Sethi, senior eye consultant, Artemis Health Institute.

At the Max Healthcare, an average of three patients visits Dr Parul Sharma, an ophthalmologist, every day.

“By next month, this number is expected to grow fast. Last year, we used to see around ten patients a day,” said Dr Parul Sharma.

“We are getting 3-4 cases each day. But when the weather gets humid, the virus growth will be fast,” said Dr Ajay Sharma, chairman of Sheetla Hospital.

According to district officials, the present number of cases is too little to raise an alarm. The spread of conjunctivitis is “normal” during this period, says Dr Parveen Garg, civil surgeon of Gurgaon.

The Centre for Sight is witnessing the maximum number of cases among popular hospitals, where around five patients are treated for the flu every day.

Preventing the infection

Doctors have warned that kids are vulnerable to this infection

Prevention:
Wash hands at least five times a day and avoid bringing your hands near your eyes.
Avoid public places if you are suffering from the flu.
Contact an eye specialist when your eyes get reddish.
Don’t wear contact lenses when you are suffering from conjunctivitis. Wash eyes with cold filtered water.
About the disease:
Conjunctivitis refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid). It is due to an infection (usually viral, but sometimes bacterial) or an allergic reaction.
Signs and symptoms
Red eye, irritation and watering of the eyes.