Hyderabad and Secunderabad has witnessed a prickly
sensation, painful ‘Viral Conjunctivitis’, a communicable eye
disease spreading like a jungle fire. Till date Sarojini Eye
Hospital recorded 1700 cases in out patient and 128 cases as in-
patients, apart from the 3200 cases reported in other private
hospitals.

Afshan Begum, 29, has been battling watery eyes with itchy and
prickly sensations since the past one week. A visit to the
hospital confirmed a viral conjunctivitis infection. The diagnosis
scared Afshan so much that she decided to stay home for the next
few days. ‘The doctor advised me to stay away from dust and dirt,
so I have taken leave from office.’
‘While there are many strains of the adenovirus, type 8 and 19 are
the ones that mainly cause viral conjunctivitis. A change in the
weather helps the virus thrive, thereby leading to the infection,’
said Dr. Ejazuddin, ophthalmologist at Olive Hospital in
Hyderabad. ‘Although it cannot be considered an epidemic, I have
had around 5-10 patients on most days’, Dr.Ejaz added.

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Main symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include watery and red eyes,
pricky feeling and pain. ‘The infection at a later stage can cause
white spots on the cornea that may lead to blurring of vision.
Crusts start forming on the eyelid within 3-4 days if medical aid
is not sought,’ said Dr Harshavardhan Reddy ophthalmologist,
Fortis Hospital. While bacterial conjunctivitis easily responds to
antibiotics, viruses are more resistant and may take weeks to get
cured.

‘In the initial stage, only antibiotic drops and lubricant drops
are prescribed. However, if the infection is severe and spreads to
the cornea causing white spots, steroids are given. It has to be
taken for longer peried of time, say 2-3 months otherwise the
spots may not be cured completely,’ said Dr.Reddy.

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‘But only milder doses of steroids are prescribed to avoid side-
effects,’ added Dr.Ejazuddin.

In order to avoid complications, it is better to seek medical help
immediately as delay will only lead to late recovery. Doctors also
suggest many precautionary measures that will contribute in not
aggravating and spreading the infection.

‘It is a myth that looking at someone having conjunctivitis
spreads the infection. Since it spreads through contact, personal
hygiene is a must. One must use disposable cotton tissues. One
mustn’t rub ones eyes as it may cause corneal abrasions,’ Dr.Reddy
said.

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Precautions
– Keep all items of clothing that may come in contact with eyes
separate as these may have secretions.
– It is important to wash your hands with a sanitiser after
touching the infected eyes.
– Put eye-drops on time as directed by the doctor.
– Do not wear contact lenses.
– Wear glares in order to prevent dust and dirt. Again, keep these
away from children as contact spreads infection.
– Do not rub your eyes at all as it will lead to corneal
abrasions. #KhabarLive

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A senior journalist having 25 years of experience in national and international publications and media houses across the globe in various positions. A multi-lingual personality with desk multi-tasking skills. He belongs to Hyderabad in India. Ahssanuddin's work is driven by his desire to create clarity, connection, and a shared sense of purpose through the power of the written word. His background as an writer informs his approach to writing. Years of analyzing text and building news means that adapting to a reporting voice, tone, and unique needs comes as second nature.