New Delhi: Multiple cases of conjunctivitis were reported from Delhi-NCR due to constant rainfall over the past few weeks. According to Dr JS Titiyal, Chief RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS has reported 100 cases per day so far in the national capital.
Dr JS Titiyal said, “We are getting at least 100 cases of conjunctivitis per day. There is usually a seasonal increase in conjunctivitis cases, which coincides with the flu season. The conjunctivitis cases are mostly caused by a virus.”
Dr Harsh Kumar, Ophthalmologist, at Centre for Sight, said that cases of conjunctivitis report each year in Mansoon. “Red eye returns with monsoon, itching, redness, watering and sometimes discharge,” he said.
A private eye care hospital in Delhi has recorded 1032 cases of Conjunctivitis in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), while the total number of cases across India stands at 1521. Dr Titiyal, the hospital’s representative, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to prevent the spread of the infection. He advised the public to maintain good general hygiene practices and to regularly wash their hands after returning from outside.
He said, “General hygiene measures should be followed. You should wash your hands whenever coming from outside. Try to avoid close contact with anyone in your family who has eye flu.”
“If you have conjunctivitis, use dark goggles, avoid swimming, avoid close contact with others, and do not touch your eyes, children may avoid going to school for a few days to avoid spreading to other students.”
While explaining the symptoms Dr Samir Sud Director and Co-founder, of Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals said, “These figures represent a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year (July 2022), with 646 cases in Delhi NCR and 1202 cases nationwide. The surge in numbers necessitates heightened awareness and swift action to control the spread of this eye condition effectively.”
