Call for parental caution as Pink Eye cases rise

Expert says infection can lead to complications if left untreated

ISLAMABAD:

As the cases of Pink Eye, a highly contagious eye infection, continue to rise, health expert Tuesday sounded the alarm, urging parents to exercise extreme caution and take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease among children.

Talking to a private news channel, Dr Zubaida Sirang Aseer, an eye specialist at Agha Khan Hospital revealed that the pink eye outbreak is widespread, with the hospital witnessing a surge in cases during the winter season.

She explained that the highly contagious infection, also known as acute conjunctivitis, is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens and parasites, with human adenoviruses (HAdVs) responsible for 65-90% of severe conjunctival infections.

Dr Aseer warned that the symptoms of pink eye include redness or irritation, watery discharge, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, photophobia and swelling or edema of the conjunctiva.

She advised that if left untreated, pink eye can lead to severe complications, including corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Regarding treatment, Dr Aseer emphasised that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial conjunctivitis and not viral conjunctivitis. She recommended that patients with pink eye should apply warm compresses to the affected eye, use artificial tears to lubricate the eye and avoid touching or rubbing the eye to prevent the spread of the infection. To prevent the spread of pink eye, Dr Aseer advised the public to take precautions, including practicing good hand hygiene.