Reportedly, there has been a steady rise in conjunctivitis patients in the state of late. A lot of people with conjunctivitis are visiting private and government hospitals on a daily basis. Most patients prefer visiting healthcare centres for treatment. It is also spreading in children. Due to climate change, there are more chances of the spread of conjunctivitis.
What is conjunctivitis or pinkeye?
It is the bacterial infection of the eye’s conjunctiva which covers the white part of the eyeball. A viral infection can also lead to this. It is a fast spreader and one person who is infected with conjunctivitis can easily spread it to the entire family. Given the proper treatment, pinkeye can be cured in 4 to 5 days. It is important to stress on timely treatment because there have been instances of people losing their eyesight if not treated at the right time. Though bacteria is the reason for the infection, it can affect both eyes and cause more discharge (pus or mucus). Having said that virus can also cause pinkeye.
Symptoms
Itching and irritation in the eyes, swelling of the conjunctiva, burning sensation in the eyes, red eyes, discharge (pus or mucus), irritation to sunlight, headache, and occasionally fever for some people.
How to control pinkeye
Avoid self-medication. Do consult a doctor and strictly follow the doctor’s prescription.
Drink 8 glasses of water daily, include more vegetables in your diet, make sure to sleep properly at night, give your body and eyes some rest, dip cotton in warm water and clean your eyelids, and avoid TV and computers.
How to prevent spreading
Those who are infected with conjunctivitis should wear plain glasses or cooling glasses.
Since it gets affected through the air, avoid contact with the infected person. Avoid using soap, towel, and other beauty products used by the infected person. If you have touched their eyes, wash your hands properly.