Conjunctivitis cases rise during monsoon season

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as 'eye flu' or 'pink eye', refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin, transparent tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. While it can be bacterial or allergic, the majority of seasonal spikes are caused by viruses, with up to 90% being adenoviruses. Children are most susceptible to viral infections, while adults tend to get more bacterial infections. High monsoon humidity, temperature fluctuations, and damp conditions allow these viruses to survive longer on surfaces, accelerating transmission in closed or crowded spaces.

Primary symptoms include redness, swelling, or a pinkish hue in one or both eyes, constant itching, irritation, a gritty feeling like sand in the eye, and watery or mucoid discharge with matting of eyelashes. Other symptoms include swollen eyelids, mild sensitivity to light (photophobia), and severe cases may involve pseudo membrane formation over the conjunctiva with sub epithelial infiltrates on the cornea, leading to blurred vision or glares. Accompanying viral flu symptoms like runny nose, cough, and fever may also occur. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, spreading quickly through direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated surfaces. Most viral cases are self-limiting, clearing within three to seven days without long-term visual impairment if treated responsibly, but they can remain highly contagious for 10 to 14 days.

To break the chain of infection, patients and family members are advised to practice rigorous hand hygiene, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using public transport or visiting high-density areas. People should strictly avoid eye contact and refrain from touching, rubbing, or wiping their eyes. Never share towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, eye makeup, eyeglasses, or eye drops. Affected individuals, especially schoolchildren, should be isolated at home until active discharge and acute symptoms subside (usually 5 to 7 days) to prevent outbreak clusters.

People should periodically sanitize shared items such as door handles, remote controls, keyboards, smartphones, and office desks. Avoid using public or hotel swimming pools during the transmission peak, as water can harbor pathogens. For symptom relief, apply cold or warm compresses using a clean, damp cloth over closed eyelids. Gently clean discharge with sterile cotton pads dipped in clean water, wiping from the inner corner outward and disposing of pads immediately. Patients should wear protective glasses to avoid touching the eyes. Refrain from using contact lenses until symptoms subside, and be cautious against self-medication. Misusing over-the-counter drugs, especially steroid eye drops without an ophthalmologist’s prescription, can exacerbate viral infections, delay natural healing, or cause severe intraocular complications.

While long-term sequelae are rare, chronic viral conjunctivitis can lead to a poor quality of life. Most cases take one to four weeks to recover without treatment. Morbidity is rare but can include corneal ulceration, symblepheron, and punctate keratitis. A follow-up with an ophthalmologist is recommended to ensure no complications occur and to rule out other causes of red eye like uveitis, glaucoma, corneal ulcer, or even a foreign body.