The risk of viral infection increases in winter. Apart from this, cold weather also brings many problems to our eyes. In this season conjunctivitis i.e. 'pink eye' problem is very common.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 1 million people go to the hospital each year in the United States because of eye infections. There are many people who do not go to the hospital even if they have problems.
In conjunctivitis the eyes may appear pink or red in color. Also the eyes may become dry or irritated. So it is very important to take care of the eyes in this season.
So today In news of need We will talk about conjunctivitis. You will also know that-
- Why does the risk of conjunctivitis increase in winter?
- What precautions should be taken to avoid it?
Expert: Dr. Sudipto Pakrasi, Ophthalmologist, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram
Question: What is conjunctivitis or 'pink eye'?
Answer- There is a thin layer over our eyes. This is called conjunctiva. The conjunctiva works to keep the eyes healthy. When there is any type of infection in it, it is called conjunctivitis.
in general Conjunctivitis There are three types.
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Q- What are conjunctivitis symptoms?
Answer- Ophthalmologist Dr. Medanta Hospital, Gurugram. Sudipto Pakrasi says that our eyes are very delicate and sensitive. If anything unusual is felt in the eyes, the symptoms are immediately visible. Conjunctivitis can have many symptoms. Its common symptoms include watery eyes, red or pink color of the eyes, white or yellow discharge from the eyes. Apart from this, there may be some other symptoms as well. Understand this from the graphic below-
Q- Why does the risk of conjunctivitis increase in winter? What are the reasons for this?
Answer- There are many reasons why conjunctivitis may worsen in winter. Let's understand it from these points.
Colds and flu are a big cause
A cold increases the risk of colds, coughs and flu. In such cases, touching the eyes, coming into contact with an infected person or using the clothes, towels, quilts and blankets of an infected person increases the risk of conjunctivitis.
Dry winter air causes eye irritation
In winter, the air becomes dry due to low humidity. People drink less water during this season, which increases the risk of dry eyes. This can cause irritation, itching or swelling of the eyes.
Question: Can conjunctivitis spread from person to person?
Answer- According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can easily spread from person to person. However, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.
Question: Why is the risk of conjunctivitis higher in children?
Answer- Children's immune system is weak. So this season they need to take extra care. In general, children are at higher risk of bacterial or viral conjunctivitis because children are exposed to more children at school. Also, they do not maintain proper hygiene while playing.
Q- What are the things parents should take care of to protect children from conjunctivitis?
Answer- Parents should make children aware about conjunctivitis. They should be told about its symptoms and methods of prevention. such as-
- Explain to children the importance of washing hands frequently.
- Tell children to never rub their eyes with their hands. Always use a tissue or handkerchief to clean the eyes.
- Never share personal items like handkerchiefs, towels or glasses with anyone.
- If a person's eyes look red, stay away.
Q- What things should be taken care of to avoid conjunctivitis?
Answer- Some precautions are necessary to avoid conjunctivitis. For example, avoid touching your eyes frequently in winter. Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Also, don't share eye liner, your towel, quilt, blanket or pillow with anyone. Apart from this, it is necessary to take care of some other things. Understand this from the graphic below-
Question- What to do if someone gets infected with conjunctivitis?
Answer- We know that conjunctivitis is an infectious disease. It can easily spread from person to person. So, if you are infected with conjunctivitis, first isolate yourself in a room. Apart from this, keep some other things in mind. such as-
- Avoid contact with other family members.
- Avoid going to school, college or office.
- Keep away from TV, mobile or computer.
- If your eyes itch, do not try to rub them.
- Use any eye drops only after consulting a doctor.
Question: How many days does conjunctivitis heal?
Answer: Ophthalmologist Dr. It depends on the type of infection, says Sudipto Pakrasi. Viral conjunctivitis usually heals within 1 to 2 weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis takes 2 to 5 days to heal. When allergic conjunctivitis lasts as long as the allergy persists in the eye.
Question: of conjunctivitis When to go to the doctor in case?
Answer- Usually this is not a dangerous situation. With proper hygiene and care, it heals on its own within a week. However, if the situation continues to worsen, do not become complacent. It can damage the eyes.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
