PGI's Ophthalmology Department and Microbiology Department together found out the reason
There has been a sudden increase in the number of patients of conjunctivitis and eye flu amid heavy rains. The outbreak has further increased due to increase in humidity and temperature in the environment. In Lucknow city, an increase in cases of conjunctivitis has been reported by both private and government ophthalmologists.
10 to 12 cases daily
Rachna Aggarwal, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sanjay Gandhi PGI, said that every day 10 to 12 cases of conjunctivitis are coming in the Ophthalmology OPD, in which there is a complaint of eye pain, watery, stickiness along with swollen eyelids in the morning. Most cases have mild symptoms and respond well to treatment. The outbreak has prompted health officials to take swift action to combat the situation.
research to find the cause
Dr. Ankita Aishwarya from the Department of Ophthalmology collected conjunctival swabs from patients with conjunctivitis and sent them to the virology laboratory of the Department of Microbiology to determine the identity of the causative agent and the extent of the outbreak.
Study of 11 viruses
Atul Garg, Department of Microbiology, examined viral culture and multiplex real time PCR. Tested 11 viruses including Adenovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes simplex, Varicella zoster, Human Herpes virus-6 etc. as causative agents of viral conjunctivitis. Dr. Garg said that most of the cases were of entero virus, followed by adeno virus and human herpes virus. Enteroviruses and adenoviruses are the most common causes of viral conjunctivitis worldwide.
Entero virus, adeno virus and human herpes virus are giving pain to the eyes.
Take this precaution, relief in two weeks
Professor Vikas Kanojia, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology advised frequent hand washing and refraining from touching your face and eyes. He further explained that viral infection of the eyes is self-limiting and the person can recover within one to two weeks. However, there is a very small chance of a secondary bacterial infection causing a delay in recovery. “In such cases, the use of antibiotic eye drops is recommended.
Do not use steroid eye drops
Dr. Rachna and Dr. Vikas cautioned against indiscriminate use of steroid eye drops. Over the counter steroids should not be used unless advised by an ophthalmologist for specific indications. If there is redness in the eyes for a long time, then definitely see a specialist.
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