Eye doctors warn against steroids

Specialists discourage self-medication for conjunctivitis

LAHORE:

Experts warned people to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and steroids to treat 'conjunctivitis', commonly known as pink eye, and advised them to avoid self-medication as it may complicate the ailment or even damage the cornea.

Noted eye surgeon Dr Intizar Hussain Butt shared his recommendations with the media on Sunday, urging affected individuals to use prescribed eye drops, cold water and tissues for eye cleansing. Dr Butt explained that conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane known as the conjunctiva, which lines the eyelid and covers the eyeball.

He emphasized the importance of avoiding physical contact with infected individuals and refraining from sharing personal items such as handkerchiefs, pillows and makeup. Dr Butt also advised patients to wear sunglasses and take leave from their official or private duties until the infection heals. He additionally warned against self-medication and public gatherings and recommended frequent hand-washing with soap.

Noted senior ophthalmologist and former vice chancellor of King Edward Medical University Prof Dr Asad Aslam said that symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include redness, streaking, swelling, itching or burning in the eyes. He added that precautionary measures are crucial to preventing the spread of the disease. Dr Aslam further lamented that due to a lack of awareness, thousands of cases of conjunctivitis are reported in hospitals across Pakistan annually.

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Replying to a query, Dr Asad Aslam said that steroids and homemade remedies sometimes provide immediate relief to patients, but could cause more damage in the long run. He urged people to avoid close contact with individuals who have conjunctivitis or any other eye infection.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Health Department reported over 1,000 cases in outpatient departments in Lahore’s hospitals during the past 24 hours. Dr Bushra from Services Hospital stated that 50 percent of patients in the outpatient department were being treated for the infection. She emphasised the importance of precautionary measures and recommended the use of eye drops for relief. She further advised affected individuals to maintain stringent hygiene practices, including keeping their personal items separate from others.

Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir announced the establishment of special pink eye counters in the emergency wards of all government hospitals in a significant move to tackle the conjunctivitis outbreak. The initiative aims to separate pink eye patients from others, while ensuring they receive prompt medical attention.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr Nasir emphasised the importance of not unnecessarily sending Pinkeye patients to the outpatient department (OPD) to protect other patients. Instead, complete medical care and necessary medications would be provided at dedicated counters, along with thorough instructions on precautionary measures.

The Minister expressed optimism that the diligent implementation of the precautions by citizens would lead to eventual eradication of conjunctivitis. Notably, he attributed a major decrease in eye infections to the decision by Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to temporarily close schools in Punjab for four days.

A decrease in conjunctivitis cases was observed in Punjab, but 1,134 new cases were still reported on Sunday. The Primary and Secondary Health Department of Punjab released a report confirming a decrease in the number of patients affected by conjunctivitis during the past 24 hours.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2023.