Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white of the eye (sclera).
Published Aug 02, 2023 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 02, 2023 | 8:00 AM
Doctors agree that there is no known correlation between the increased conjunctivitis cases and the new Covid-19 variant. (Creative Commons)
“The first two cases of conjunctivitis came to our notice on the night of 23 July. We immediately reached out to the health supervisor and provided the affected students with medication to ease their discomfort until the next day. To our surprise, by the next morning, the number of affected students had increased to about a hundred,” R Balabhaskar, Principal, Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institution for Boys in Jaipur Mandal, Mancherial district, tells South First.
This is one of the places in the state where an outbreak of conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”, has been reported. As rain persists in several parts of the Telugu state, different districts are seeing hundreds of cases of conjunctivitis.
Over the course of last week, about 320 students had been infected in the residential school at Mancherial. However, none of the cases were severe and the majority of students showed signs of improvement within a week, on average.
In response to the outbreak, the residential school had organised a health camp from 24-26 July. “As of today, we have seven students who are currently suffering from conjunctivitis,” adds Balabhaskar.
When South First reached out to health officials from different districts across the state, we found that conjunctivitis cases are being reported in all those districts.
OPDs in Telangana are seeing anywhere between 20-50 cases of conjunctivitis per day. (Representational picture/Telegram)
“Cases have been reported at three residential schools in Dandepally, Jaipur, and Kotapally. But the cases are reducing. Daily health camps are being conducted, eye drops are being provided. At district hospitals, too, we are seeing 20 cases every day in the OPD,” District Health and Medical Officer (DHMO) of Mancherial, GC Subbarayudu, tells South First.
“The infection is still affecting a small number of students, with new cases emerging every day. Our primary concern is the well-being and health of our students, and we are taking all necessary measures to provide proper care and support,” the DMHO adds.
Similarly, at MGM Hospital in Warangal, “We are seeing around 20-25 cases on a daily basis,” ophthalmologist Dr Chokkaiah tells South First.
The Regional Eye Hospital in Warangal and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad have been seeing a rise in the number of conjunctivitis cases over the last few days.
“We have at least 50 cases of conjunctivitis coming to us every day since the rains started. It’s not severe, but people are getting infected,” a doctor at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital tells South First.
Anatomy of an eye. (Cleveland Clinic)
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva — the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white of the eye (sclera). It is a relatively common condition that can affect people of all ages, though it is more commonly seen in children.
“This outbreak is primarily caused by an adenovirus, usually with different strains,” Hyderabad-based ophthalmologist Dr Rachna Naik tells South First.
She adds, “In all the cases we have examined this time, the adenovirus has been identified. Only a small number of cases have an additional bacterial infection, such as staphylococcus. Approximately 99 percent of the cases are associated with an adenovirus.”
Rain by itself is not a direct cause of conjunctivitis. However, rainy weather might indirectly contribute to the spread of conjunctivitis in some cases.
“During rainy and humid conditions, certain allergens like mold spores and pollen are released into the air, which may trigger allergic conjunctivitis in susceptible individuals. Additionally, bacteria and viruses can survive better in moist environments, so if people come into contact with contaminated surfaces or their eyes get exposed to infectious agents during rainy weather, it leads to conjunctivitis,” explains Dr Naik.
She adds that rainy weather may also cause people to spend more time indoors in close proximity to others, facilitating the transmission of viral and bacterial conjunctivitis from person to person.
Redness of the eye and inner eyelid
Watery or mucous discharge from the eye
Itching or burning sensation in the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning (more common with bacterial conjunctivitis)
Blurred vision
There are several types of conjunctivitis, including:
Types of conjunctivitis. (psurectt)
Viral conjunctivitis: Caused by viruses, such as an adenovirus, this is highly contagious. It often accompanies colds or respiratory infections.
Dr Naik explains that the treatment for conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause:
“Can I travel by air if I have conjunctivitis?”
This is a common question ophthalmologists get asked by people with conjunctivitis. Dr Naik advises people with conjunctivitis to avoid air travel, especially if you have a highly contagious form of the condition.
“Airplane cabins are enclosed spaces with close proximity to other passengers, which increases the risk of spreading the infection to others through direct or indirect contact. Plus, it can be challenging to maintain adequate hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Touching common surfaces and objects could contribute to the transmission of conjunctivitis,” explains Dr Naik.
Another reason is that air travel can exacerbate the discomfort associated with conjunctivitis due to the dry and pressurised cabin air, which may further irritate the eyes.
“It’s best to postpone your travel until the infection has cleared or until you are no longer contagious. If you have to fly urgently, inform the airline staff about your condition so that they can take appropriate measures to minimise the risk of spreading the infection,” Dr Naik advises.
“Can I send my child to school with conjunctivitis?”
Dr Naik says that this is a common question parents ask when their child is diagnosed with conjunctivitis. She reiterates that it’s advisable to wait till the conjunctivitis is resolved before sending them back to school as it will be dangerous for the other children and their families too.
“In school, children remain in close proximity. They touch the table, chair, share pens, pencils, and play with each other. So, the other children can easily get infected. Therefore, in the case of school-going children, it is completely inadvisable to send them to school with the infection,” says Dr Naik.
