Conjunctivitis: follow these expert guidelines to prevent infection

KATHMANDU: Conjunctivitis is becoming more prevalent in hospitals. The number of people with eye disorders has surged in hospitals around the country in recent days.

The number of patients with eye disorders has increased in hospitals around the country, notably Telangana Eye Hospital and Nepal Eye Hospital in Kathmandu.

According to Dr. Srijana Adhikari, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Telangana Hospital, up to 100 people come to the hospital every day with eye problems.

‘It spreads owing to viral infection,’ explained Dr. Adhikari. The majority of them contain adenoviral viruses. As a result, the condition progresses and the eyes become redder. In addition to eye irritation, colds and fevers can occur. Some people get viral fever or a viral cold. And for some, it is simply an eye-opener. It cannot be called an epidemic.’

She said that due to viral infection and bacteria, the problem of eye swelling is seen. She said that most of the patients come to the hospital with red eyes and itching. She said that this time there were more cases than in previous years.

She said, ‘In the beginning, tears come from the eyes of most of the people. Similarly, you will feel discomfort, your eyes will be red, and you will have itching in your eyes. In some people, the rash comes and the eyes are averted. Most of the patients say that when they wake up in the morning, their eyes are completely closed. If it is left without treatment, white-colored letters start to accumulate in the inner layer of the eye. The layers begin to freeze. If those layers are left as they are, the black pupil of the eye may also be injured. Someone can attack someone with a wound on a black girl.’

According to ophthalmologist Dr. Lina Bajracharya, if the infection is caused by a virus, the eyes will be affected. She stated that eye disorders can occur at any age and are extremely common.

Dr. Bajracharya said, “Eye problems can occur in any age group. It can be quite widespread. Handkerchiefs and soap that you use should be kept separately. If your eyes open, you should stay in isolation. It spreads through tears. Sitting together and gossiping together will not spread. If the eye element of one person reaches another person, it will spread. Because of that, if a person’s eyes are dry, he should wash his hands with soap and use sanitiser from time to time in order not to infect his family. After touching the eyes or putting drops in the eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water. You should not even go to the crowd.

According to Dr. Bajracharya, the eyes become red and uncomfortable when the eyes are closed. To avoid this, she said that she should keep the handkerchief and soap she uses separately. Dr. Bajracharya said that it can spread if one person’s eye material reaches another person and it is spread through tears.

She said, ‘If someone has an eye problem, it will be fine. If it is more red, itchy, or swollen, we can use medicine in consultation with the doctor. Some people may have a bacterial infection along with virus infection. If that happens, antibiotics should be used. If the eyes are dry, it will be difficult to see in the light. If viral conjunctivitis also infects the pupil of the eye, it becomes difficult to see in the light. In that case, after wearing dark glasses, it is a little easier. Wearing dark glasses does not mean that others will not be affected. If the eyes become blurry, you should consult a doctor.’

Ophthalmology experts have suggested that if any person has eye problems, they should go to the nearest eye center and consult a doctor and not to use random medicines.

What to do

Apply cold and ice to the eyes
Clean the eyes with clean water
Use sunglasses when going out of the house
Wash hands thoroughly after touching eyes

What not to do?

Avoid scratching the infected eye as much as possible
Avoid going to schools, colleges, and other congested areas.
Do not use towels that have been used previously.
Do not attempt to self-medicate.