As the monsoon season is about to begin, conjunctivitis more commonly known as ‘ashoob-chashm’ and ‘pink eyes’ has made its comeback in the city, , Pakistan Today has learnt. Many patients with pink eyes are showing up at public-sector hospitals while Jinnah Hospital, Mayo Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and General Hospital have confirmed a small number of patients have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis and the number is on the rise. A senior doctor at Jinnah Hospital, talking to Pakistan Today, said, “Although the number of patients arriving at hospitals is not alarming, conjunctivitis is gradually gaining momentum as the rainy season starts”. He said that pink eyes troubling infants and children but do not cause much harm to adults. The doctor advised citizens to take precautionary measures at the start of the monsoon season, as the disease has the capability to spread by people-to-people contact.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the upper layer of the eye ball and inner sides of the eyelids. People suffering from pink eyes are usually seen with swollen watery eyes covered with a red coating. Doctors have advised citizens to keep their hands and face clean during the entire rainy season along with using separate face towels, especially if someone has conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis could spread from one eye to the other, especially when rubbing eyes. The usage of disposable tissues has been recommended when drying eyes, as it will limit contamination. It is sensible to never share eye make-up or eye drops with another person.
Patients younger than 16 years of age are advised to consultant doctors as a preemptive measure. Doctors describe the symptoms of pink eyes as redness of one or both eyes, clear or yellowish discharge from the affected eye that could leave a heavy crust that forms on the lashes during the night, itchiness in one or both eyes, a gritty feeling in the affected eye and excessive tearing. Other symptoms might include eye pain, red swollen eyelids, hypersensitivity to light and blurry vision due to tears.
Mayo Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Zahid Parvaiz advised people to avoid hand contact with contaminated people suffering from pink eyes and use sunglasses. He said that people having pink eyes should remain at home and rest so that the disease is not spread to others.
