conjunctivitis FAQs

A queue for eye examination at Ranchi Sadar Hospital on Wednesday. Picture by Hardeep Singh

What is conjunctivitis?

It is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid

What causes the infection?

Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria and virus, besides allergens like dust or pollen certain and irritants such as shampoo and chlorine water in a pool

What are the symptoms?

Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid; increased amount of tears; thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep; itchiness; burning sensation; blurred vision; and often increased sensitivity to light

How can it be avoided?

Never rub itchy eyes; do not use contact lenses if eyes burn; wash eyes periodically with clean water; do not use contaminated objects used by an infected person; maintain personal hygiene; change pillow covers often

Conjunctivitis is spreading like wild fire in Ranchi, prompting vigil across educational institutions, offices and hospitals.

Most schools have issued strict notices to guardians asking them not to send their wards to campuses with the condition, commonly referred to as the pink eye, a seasonal inflammation of the conjunctiva. A virulent virus, ophthalmologists say, is infecting the thin clear tissue over the white part of the eye this time. Adults are also being advised confinement at home until their eyes heal to contain the highly contagious infection.

Bacteria and allergens, among other things, can cause conjunctivitis too, the former form being as communicable as the one caused by viruses.

According to Dr Rahul Prasad, an assistant professor at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), a strain of adenovirus is causing the scourge. “More than 30 per cent patients in the OPD have inflamed conjunctiva. The disease has become virulent. We are recommending infected people to stay indoors and help prevent further spread of the disease,” he said.

Dr Mayuri Bhattacharya, a senior ophthalmologist with CCL’s Gandhinagar Hospital, reaffirmed the fast catching infection. “Among the patients I am treating every day, nearly 25-30 per cent are suffering from viral conjunctivitis.”

Advising precautions, she said: “Periodic washing of eyes with clean water is absolutely necessary. One must use boiled and cooled water. Rubbing itching eyes is a big no-no. Last, but not the least, please do not attempt self-medication. See an ophthalmologist as early as possible.”

Dr Bhattacharya added that it was necessary to keep children away from school campuses because viral form of conjunctivitis spread through hand-to-eye contact or objects that are contaminated with tears and eye discharge. “Staying home is the best option for both children and adults until the infection subsides, which is mostly within three days.”

Dr Bharti Kashyap of Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital said patients needed to be counselled on dos and don’ts. “Personal hygiene is of utmost importance. An infected person should use separate towels and avoid touching the eye,” she said.

Capital schools like St Xavier’s in Doranda, St Thomas in Dhurwa and Loreto Convent have barred infected students from their campuses. “Children are playful in nature. Hence, contamination is easy,” said an official of one of these schools, justifying the strict and temporary rule.

Dr Raj Mohan, state programme officer of blindness control, recommended high degree of hygiene to avoid contamination even at home. “Never wash eyes with untreated or hot water. This is a seasonal viral infection and a non-steroid eye-drop should be applied at least four-five times a day. Consult a doctor and stay indoors are must.”

Director-in-chief of state health services Dr Sumant Mishra said isolation of conjunctivitis patients was not possible at a larger scale. “Hence, I strongly recommend proper counselling and precautions,” he added.

Do you have any tips to beat the viral infection? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com