There has been an increase in the number of reported cases of conjunctivitis in India. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi estimates that 100 people get the eye flu every day.
Every year, physicians and health professionals report seeing more occurrences of conjunctivitis during the rainy season. However, this year’s severe, persistent rains and floods have led to an abnormal increase in instances of eye flu.
EYE FLUE: CASES ON RISE
The infectious eye disease conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” typically affects youngsters. Although it is usually a minor and self-limiting ailment, it may nonetheless give the kid and their family some pain and inconvenience. It is crucial for parents and carers to take preventative steps to limit the spread of conjunctivitis.
SYMPTOMS
Depending on the root reason, eye flu may manifest in a number of different ways. Symptoms that often occur include:
• Itching and Redness
Eye redness and discomfort are common signs of the flu in the eyes. The blood vessels in the eyes become dilated due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, making the eyes look pink or red. It’s common for people to report that their eyes feel gritty, strange, or scratchy. It is common for the redness and irritation to be more visible first thing in the morning or after a long nap.
• Teary eyes
Watery or teary eyes are another typical sign of the flu in the eyes. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which may activate the tear glands and cause an overflow of tears, is the primary reason for watery eyes due to the eye virus. It’s not fun to deal with the pain and poor vision that come along with watery eyes.
• Photosensitivity
Photophobia, or heightened sensitivity to light, is a symptom that may accompany the “eye flu” for certain people. Squinting and other forms of protecting one’s eyes from light sources are common responses to the discomfort and agony that may result from prolonged exposure to bright lights or sunshine.
A Visual Effusion:
When you wake up with bacterial conjunctivitis, you may see a thick, sticky discharge from your eyes. Depending on its severity, this discharge may turn the eyelids yellow or green and make blinking difficult. Eye discharge, whether watery or clear, is a possible symptom of viral conjunctivitis. Some people with eye flu report feeling like debris being gritted or sanded into their eyes. Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes a gritty sensation that is uncomfortable
• Eyelids that are crusty
Discharge from the eyes may dry and solidify overnight in instances of bacterial conjunctivitis, causing crusts to develop around the eyelids. People with these crusts may have trouble opening their eyes in the morning.
• Eyelid Swelling
When allergies are at blame, eye flu may manifest as puffy eyelids. Eyelid edoema, brought on by allergic conjunctivitis, may make the eyes seem red and puffy.
• Unease When Blinking
Inflamed conjunctiva may cause discomfort or agony when blinking in those with the eye virus. It might be much more irritating and uncomfortable if you blink.
It’s Contagious to Have an Eye Discharge
The infectiousness of eye flu is related to the underlying cause. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses and bacteria is extremely infectious and may spread via close personal contact or inhalation of infected respiratory droplets. However, allergic conjunctivitis does not transmit from one person to another and is thus not considered a communicable disease.
The best approach to prevent contracting and spreading this illness is to practice good hygiene.
- Washing one’s hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching one’s face or wiping one’s eyes is recommended on a frequent basis. Direct contact with the eyes might spread germs.
- Use a tissue or cough into your elbow to contain respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze to limit their distribution.
- Don’t lend or borrow somebody your towels, makeup, or anything else that might potentially cause eye contact.
- Maintain a clean and germ-free environment by routinely disinfecting high-touch areas including doorknobs, counters, and electronic gadgets.
- If you use contact lenses, it’s important to take care of them properly by cleaning, disinfecting, and changing them at the prescribed intervals.
Cure Options
- Cold Compresses: Directly applying cold compresses to your eyes may help decrease redness, swelling, and irritation. Over-the-counter artificial tears may help with dryness and discomfort in the short term.
- Your doctor may recommend lubricating ointments to avoid additional irritation and dryness of the eyes.
- Antiviral eye drops may be used to treat infection and restore eyesight in extreme situations or when a particular viral cause has been identified.
- Inflammation caused by this illness may be treated with steroid eye drops, but you should only take them if your doctor recommends it.
- For calming relief from eye strain and pain, try using warm compresses, or alternating them with cold ones.
- A saline solution, created by dissolving salt in distilled water, may be used to gently cleanse and calm irritated eyes.
- Place cooled chamomile or green tea bags over closed eyes to reduce swelling and redness.
- Getting enough sleep will help your immune system recuperate and mount a stronger defense against eye infections.
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