MLB Weekly Digest September 3rd Edition - NGSC Sports

Conjunctivitis Recovery: Follow These Do's And Don'ts To Take Care Of Your Eyes

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva

A rapid increase in conjunctivitis cases has been observed over the past month in India. The humid weather during monsoon offers a favourable environment for bacteria and viruses to grow and spread. Conjunctivitis is the most common type of eye infection. It is also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. The symptoms last for three to four days. Red eyes, itching, eye pain, watery eye, discharge from eyes, blurred vision, swelling and sensitivity to light are a few common symptoms of eye infection. If you are also struggling with conjunctivitis, here are some tips that will help you recover soon.

Do's:

Use a cold compress to reduce discomfort.

You might experience discharge due to conjunctivitis. Use a warm, damp cloth to remove pus and keep your eyes clean.

Use eye drops and medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Don'ts:

Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes

Avoid wearing eye makeup as much as possible

Do not use over-the-counter eye drops

Avoid wearing contact lenses

Take a break from swimming

Do not share your personal belongings

As it is important to keep your eye clean when suffering from conjunctivitis, Dr. Shibal Bhartiya, Senior Eye Surgeon at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon shared explained how to clean eye goop when you have eye flu. Here are the steps:

Take some clean, filtered water and a washcloth

Dip the washcloth in water and keep it on closed eye for a few minutes

It will help soften the dried pus or mucus

Gently wipe the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye

And then use eye drops as prescribed

Also, try using different cloth for each eye to prevent the spread of infection.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

Conjunctivitis: All You Need To Know About The Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, And Treatment

India is currently battling a wave of eye infection, commonly known as conjunctivitis or pink eye. It is not only contagious but can also affect an individual for upto 7-14 days. In certain cases, the infection can last for 2-3 weeks or more to clear up. While conjunctivitis can be a distressing condition, it does not pose any serious health complications. However, it is still important to stay vigilant and be aware of why it occurs, symptoms it can cause, ways to prevent it. We spoke to top doctors to shed light on the same. 

Types Of Conjunctivitis, What Causes It, And How They Spread

According to Dr Yogish S Kamath, Professor and Head Of Department-Ophthalmology, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, several factors can contribute to the spread of conjunctivitis, including viruses, germs, allergies, and irritants. The transmission solely depends on the type of pink eye you're infected with. These include:

Viral Conjunctivitis: Adenoviruses, responsible for the common cold, often lead to this form of conjunctivitis. This highly contagious viral type can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's eye discharge or by touching surfaces exposed to the virus before touching your own eyes.

Also Read: Conjunctivitis Care: Follow These Tips For Quick Recovery

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae, bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection. This type of conjunctivitis can spread via direct contact with infected eye fluids or by coming into contact with objects carrying the bacteria.

Irritant Conjunctivitis: The eyes can become irritated due to factors like smoke, chemicals, or foreign objects, leading to irritant conjunctivitis. This non-contagious form is triggered by an allergic response to the irritant.

As per a research published in StatPearls Publishing, 80% of acute cases of conjunctivitis are caused by viruses, the most common pathogen being adenovirus. 

Dr Rahul Singh, MBBS, MS, DNB, ICO, Department of Dermatologist at NIIMS Hospital, says, adenoviruses are a very contagious virus which can also cause some respiratory issues along with eye infections. 

"Currently, conjunctivitis is spreading more due to heavy rainfall and water clogging at various places leading to infection and its rise this year," says Dr Rahul Singh, MBBS, MS, DNB, ICO, Department of Dermatologist at NIIMS Hospital, adding, "The humidity caused due to rainfall works as the favourable temperature for the growth of the bacteria causing conjunctivitis."

Symptoms To Watch Out For 

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

Redness and swelling

Watering and discharge

Grittiness and irritation

Itching and burning

Crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes

According to Dr Arpitha Rao, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, certain symptoms may also demand professional advice. These include:

Eye pain

Sensitivity to light or blurred vision

Eye redness

Worsening of the symptoms

Cloudiness of the cornea

A weakened immune system

Per existing eye conditions

Preventive Measures And Treatment Options

Here are measures to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis:

Keep your hands clean

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes

No sharing of personal items like hand towels, soap and pillowcases

Disinfect the surfaces

Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs

Social distancing, avoid crowded places

Skip swimming

Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have pink eye

As far as treating conjunctivitis is concerned, Dr Rahul Singh suggests taking antibiotics that help eliminate bacteria and curbs their growth and mild steroids and antihistamines which help reduce inflammation in the eye. However, visit a doctor and avoid self-medication.  

Bottomline

Conjunctivitis can arise from various causes, including viral, bacterial, and irritant factors, which is why it is important to determine the cause to receive effective and proper treatment. While viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can be contagious, transmission typically occurs through direct contact with infected eye fluids or contaminated objects. It is crucial to practise caution and adhere to preventive measures, especially when in close proximity to individuals with conjunctivitis. By practising good hygiene, refraining from sharing personal items, and seeking timely medical attention, individuals can effectively manage and mitigate the spread of this eye condition.

Vitamin D Deficiency And Conjunctivitis: Let's Decode The Link

Vitamin D deficiency can weaken immunity which can increase risk of conjunctivitis

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, promoting bone health, supporting immune function, and reducing inflammation.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or irritants, and is characterised by redness, itching, tearing, and discharge from the eye. While there is no direct evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of conjunctivitis, vitamin D deficiency is known to weaken immune function.

Since conjunctivitis can be caused by infectious agents, a weakened immune system may potentially increase the susceptibility to infections, including conjunctivitis. However, other factors like personal hygiene and exposure to infectious agents are also important contributors to the development of conjunctivitis. Keep reading as we discuss how vitamin D deficiency can increase one's risk of conjunctivitis.

1. Impaired immune function

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system. Deficiency can weaken the immune response, making the eyes more susceptible to infections such as conjunctivitis.

2. Decreased antimicrobial peptides

Vitamin D stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides, which help fight off bacteria and viruses. In its absence, the body's defence against pathogens is compromised, including those causing conjunctivitis.

3. Reduced tear production

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to dry eye syndrome, which is characterised by inadequate tear production. Insufficient tears can create an environment that facilitates the growth of bacteria or viruses leading to conjunctivitis.

4. Increased inflammation

Vitamin D acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, preventing excessive inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes. Lack of vitamin D can contribute to elevated inflammation levels, making the eyes more prone to conjunctivitis.

5. Impaired barrier function

The conjunctiva acts as a physical barrier against harmful pathogens. Vitamin D deficiency can compromise the integrity and function of the conjunctival barrier, making it easier for infectious agents to penetrate and cause conjunctivitis.

6. Altered microbiota balance

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with dysregulation of the microbiota in various body sites. An imbalance in the eye's microbiota can disrupt the natural defence mechanisms against conjunctivitis-causing organisms.

7. Increased susceptibility to allergic conjunctivitis

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to allergies. Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammatory response triggered by allergens. Insufficient vitamin D may exacerbate this condition or make individuals more prone to it.

8. Impaired wound healing

Conjunctivitis can cause damage to the ocular surface. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in wound healing by promoting cell proliferation and tissue repair. A deficiency can delay the healing of conjunctival tissue and increase the risk of chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis.

9. Uncontrolled cellular proliferation

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. This abnormal cellular activity can lead to changes in the eye, potentially increasing the risk of developing conjunctivitis.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy vitamin D level alone may not be sufficient to prevent or mitigate conjunctivitis, but it can play a role in supporting overall immune function. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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