by Suman Gupta
The city of Delhi is currently grappling with a significant upsurge in instances of conjunctivitis and other eye infections. This worrisome escalation has triggered concern among healthcare professionals who have initiated a closer examination of the situation at hand. Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is characterized by inflammation of the delicate transparent layer enveloping the white portion of the eyeball. Its highly contagious nature renders it easily transmissible, especially within crowded environments and amongst children. Symptoms associated with conjunctivitis encompass redness, itching, excessive tearing, and discharge from affected eyes. Furthermore, there has been a notable surge in reported cases involving other forms of eye infections such as styes and bacterial keratitis.
Multiple factors potentially contribute to this surge, including inadequate personal hygiene practices such as irregular handwashing or contact with unclean surfaces. To minimize the risk of infection and prevent the spread of conjunctivitis and other eye infections, it is crucial to follow the following precautions:
1. Ensure proper hand cleanliness: Regularly cleanse your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. In instances where soap and water are unavailable, utilize hand sanitizers.
2. Refrain from eye contact: Avoid any contact or rubbing of your eyes, as this can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses to the eye region.
3. Uphold personal cleanliness: Utilize fresh towels, tissues, and handkerchiefs for your eyes, and avoid sharing these items with others.
4. Steer clear of item sharing: Refrain from sharing personal items such as eye makeup, contact lenses, or eye drops with others to prevent the spread of infections.
5. Adhere to proper contact lens hygiene practices: If you wear contact lenses, maintain good hygiene by thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting, and storing them as advised by your eye care professional.
6. Seek medical attention promptly: If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis or other eye infections, such as redness, itching, discharge, or blurred vision, consult a healthcare professional immediately for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
7. Avoid close proximity to infected individuals: If someone in your household or close circle has conjunctivitis or an eye infection, take measures to minimize direct contact and practice proper hygiene when interacting with them.
By following these precautions, individuals can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading conjunctivitis and other eye infections. It is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices and seek timely medical attention to protect both individuals and the community from the spread of these conditions.
