Thursday, 27 July 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Viral fever, dengue and cold are common ailments associated with the rainy season, but eye flu cases have also surged in the State during the monsoon this year. Ophthalmologists state that there has been a spurt in eye flu cases, especially in children and people who stay outdoors for a long time. Considering the spike in eye flu cases, they warned that people should avoid self-medication, which can severely damage the eyes.
Regarding the spike in eye flu cases in the State, Associate Professor, Department of ophthalmology, Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital Dr Sushil Ojha said, “The continuous rain has been triggering more viral infections in the State. Nowadays, eye flu has become the most common infection, especially in children. Eye flu chances are more during the monsoon as the rainy season helps the bacteria stay for a longer period in one place. Patients suffering from eye flu usually feel itchiness and irritation in the eyes. Apart from this, watering, pain and swelling of eyelids are some other symptoms of eye flu.”
He further added that to prevent eye flu, one must keep his/her surroundings clean. In addition, people must ensure to use tissue paper for cleaning their eyes. There is no need to wear sunglasses as eye flu is the transmitting virus which can even be transferred to another person by touching the surface, he added.
Another eye specialist Dr Amit Singh said that eye cases are more common among children and people who stay outdoors for a longer time. “Redness, watering, pain and a sticky discharge are all the common symptoms of eye flu. Therefore, I would suggest that everyone should be a little cautious about viral infection during monsoon. As in monsoon, the chances of viral infection, especially in eyes, gets higher,” said Singh. He added that keeping the surroundings clean is one of the most effective measures to protect oneself from the eye flu. “Apart from this, I would suggest that people must stay isolated if they find any symptom of eye flu in themselves,” he added.
