How To Stop Pink Eye From Spreading?

News Desk

Multan: Eye expert has advised the populace to avoid crowded places and constantly wash their hands and faces with soap to prevent Pink Eye infection, popularly known as ‘Ashob-i-Chasm’.

Pink Eye is an infection of the outermost transparent layer of the eye called conjunctiva. It is caused by an adenovirus which is a highly contagious and rapidly spreading virus, said Government Shehbaz Sharif Hospital (GSSH) Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Irum Raza.

Dr Irum informed that the virus is readily transmitted in respiratory or ocular secretions, contaminated fomites (including eye droppers and mascara bottles), and even contaminated swimming pools.

Ophthalmologist further explained that its common symptoms include red eyes, watering during the day, crusting noted in the mornings, and swollen lids. Initially, one eye is involved, and a fellow eye gets involved within a day or two.

Pharyngoconjunctival fever, sore throat, fever and headache may develop in the patients, while lymph nodes may be palpable in severe cases, Dr Raza further informed.

Frequent handwashing is recommended, and care must be taken to avoid contamination of others through towels, make-up, instruments, or other materials, Eye Expert recommended.

Eye Consultant prescribed a cool compress, artificial tears or antiallergic drops for comfort, and antibiotic drops for superadded bacterial infection for treatment.

Oral treatment is also recommended if the lids are swollen, she added.

Frequently washing sheets and pillow covers, and patients with active infections should take leave from the workplace or school to avoid the spread of the disease, Dr Irum added.