Dr. Ridham Nanda
Conjunctivitis or eye flu is inflammation (swelling and redness)of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a thin semitransparent layer that covers the outer layers of the eye.It is usually caused by microbes, commonly viruses, sometimes bacteria. Some patients might have conjunctivitis as a result of allergy as well. There has been a rise in eye flu cases recently seen all over India.Particularly, in this monsoon season an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis (due to adenovirus) is spreading.Infection usually spreads by contact with infected individuals, coughing/ sneezing. Conjunctival discharge from the infected individual is a potential source of infection to others.
Who is at risk of getting infected with Eye Flu?
Everyone is at risk of getting eye flu but school children form the most vulnerable group due to the closed environment in school. Also,epidemics can spread at workplaces/ offices where multiple persons can get exposed to this infection. Healthcare workers are also the high-risk group.
What are the Symptoms?
After being exposed to infection, the patient complains of redness of eyes, discharge from eyes and sometimes blurring of eyes.There can be swelling of eyelids, sticking of discharge to eyelashes, foreign body sensation in the eye, and sensitivity to light. Patients may have other systemic complaints like sore throat, fever, common cold, and tiredness.
What is the course of the disease?
Usually,viral conjunctivitis is a self-limiting condition just like the common cold. But severe conditions require treatment. In severe cases,the involvement of the transparent part of the eye (cornea) can lead to a permanent reduction in vision as a result of the reaction to infecting microbes. Milder form of disease presents with redness and watering only.
What is the Treatment of Eye Flu?
As per the symptoms and the severity of the condition, the eye doctor will prescribe you medications. Consulting quacks or self-medication can worsen the condition.Milder cases can be treated with lubricating eye drops. Antiviral medicines are generally not effective in this condition. Patients with moderate to severe symptoms may require antibiotic drops/ointments in case of secondary bacterial infections.Broad-spectrum antibiotic drops like chloramphenicol 0.5% or moxifloxacin 0.5% to be instilled four to six times a day have been found helpful.Antibiotic ointments instilled during the night are particularly effective in controlling superadded bacterial infections. In severe cases, topical steroid eye drops may be needed but these are prescribed by an eye- doctor under regular supervision and monitoring. Anti-allergiceye drops are helpful in some cases.Special attention is to be given while prescribing eye drops in children. Supportive measures like the use of dark glasses to prevent sensitivity towards light, and cool compresses (with cotton pads dipped in cool water) are helpful in this condition. Usually, oral medicines are not required, but in severe cases, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may be necessary.
What is to be done when you have a patient with eye flu at your house?
It is always advisable to isolate the person with eye flu in a separate, well-ventilated room. It is advisable to keep children away from the patient. Don’t share towels or eye products that may transmit the infection. Avoid physical contact with the patient and use medications as prescribed by the eye doctor. Frequently sterilize all the doorknobs or common surfaces that come in contact with the person. Thoroughly wash all the bedsheets or clothing used by the infected individual. Discard the used eye drops once the infection is cured.
(The author is Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, AIIMS Vijaypur).