Patients suffering from conjunctivitis should avoid rubbing their eyes, as it can worsen symptoms, the Al-Shifa Trust advised here on Monday.
Talking to media men, Professor Dr. Inamul Haq Khan, Consultant Eye Surgeon at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital said that those who have conjunctivitis in one eye should avoid touching both eyes with the same cloth to reduce the risk of spreading the condition from one eye to the other.
He said that advice from an ophthalmologist was necessary to relieve the discomfort associated with conjunctivitis, who may recommend applying either a warm or cold cloth or towel to closed eyelids three or four times a day.
Dr Inam advised the patients to avoid eye makeup and the use of contact lenses till recovery as the infection spreads more by touching the eyes and is very easily spread to other people.
“Conjunctivitis is often spread by touching a contaminated surface, and touching eyes while washing hands frequently can help avoid contracting or spreading it.”
He said that patients with anxiety need more caution than treatment, adding that one of the reasons for the spread of this disease was more than usual rains.
Dr Inamul Haq Khan said that at present, many people are affected in Karachi and Lahore, while it is also spreading in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
“Redness, tears, and itching in the eyes were symptoms of conjunctivitis and this infection affects children more because they have low immunity,” he informed.
Dr Inam added that children quickly attract infection as they are not very careful, which causes the eyes to swell, and affected people experience swelling in their eyes.
There may be separate medicines for children and adults, but unnecessary use of antibiotic drops could damage the cornea, and recovery of the eye may take up to six months, he said.
He underlined that antibiotic eye drops were harmful to the cornea while eyes can be compressed through a piece of cloth to reduce pain but splashing water in the eyes should be avoided eye wash drops can also be used, he advised.There are several home remedies that are effective for eye infections which may assist you in easing the symptoms.
