Conjunctivitis cases increase in capital

ISLAMABAD: Conjunctivitis, an eye infection, is on the rise in the capital. Approximately 180 to 200 patients suffering from the condition visit the Polyclinic everyday, according to Dr Samama Hayyat, an Ophthalmologist at the hospital. Similarly, Dr Farooq Afzal, an eye specialist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) also confirmed that apart from other eye doctors at the hospital, he alone receives 60 to 70 patients a day complaining of the infection.

Out of these cases, Dr Afzal said, around 35 cases come to the emergency ward because of deterioration in their condition.

Doctors attribute the increase in conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, to the current monsoon season.

The condition is an inflammation of the tissue covering the eye and inner surface of the eyelid. “It is basically a bacterial or viral infection that starts with an irritation, pain or redness in the eye. It leads to water secretion as well,” Dr Hayyat said. She advised that as soon as people notice one of these symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. “People should wash their hands frequently to make sure others around them do not contract the contagious infection,” Dr. Hayyat advised. The duration of the treatment usually depends on the seriousness of the infection; however, in normal conditions, it takes up to 10 days for a full recovery.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.