Sunday, 06 AUGUST 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The spurt in the cases of the conjunctivitis in Dehradun and nearby areas appears to have assumed an epidemic proportion. The rainy season coupled with the highly contagious viral strain has resulted in the fast spread of the disease. The eye OPDs of all the hospitals in Dehradun are packed with patients of eye flu these days. The disease has now started taking its toll on the doctors and the hospital staff too. More than 70 patients of conjunctivitis commonly called eye flu are visiting the eye OPD of the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) these days. The associate professor of the department of ophthalmology, GDMC Dr Sushil Ojha said that a humid environment is suitabke to the spread of the virus. He said that the patients of the disease should avoid going to public places at least for a week. “It is usually seen that the patients start attending offices or schools after two or three days when the redness of eye decreases. It results in spread of the infection,’’ he said.
In view of the spike in the cases the Health department has already issued an advisory. The Health secretary, R Rajesh Kumar has instructed the chief medical officers of the State to ensure availability of all necessary medicines and take other preparations at the hospitals to prevent and control the spread of eye infection cases in their respective districts. “This is now a major public health problem which is caused by allergy, bacterial or viral infection. Aside from taking preventive measures, the CMOs should ensure that awareness programmes on Conjunctivitis are organised in every district as this is a quite contagious infection,” he said.
The most common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness in eyes, itching, burning, blurred vision and watery discharge from the eyes. The eyes become sensitive to light and eyelids get swollen during infection.
Conjunctivitis
Do’s
1Give adequate rest to the eyes and minimise screen time
2 Use eye drops prescribed by the doctors.
3 Use clean towels to gently pat your eyes.
4 Regularly wash your hand and face with water.
Don’ts
1 Do not share towels, eye cosmetics and personal items.
2 Refrain from rubbing your eyes to prevent worsening the infection.
3 Minimise exposure to smoke and irritants.
4 Avoid wearing contact lenses during infection.
