Lahore is in the throes of the spread of Pink Eye — medically known as conjunctivitis.

According to health department officials, 85 new cases of conjunctivitis have been reported in the city within the past 36 hours.

Several cases have also been reported in Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi and other cities.

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What is Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)?

Eyes have a transparent membrane called conjunctiva which covers it. Pink Eye is when the blood vessels become swollen or inflamed, which causes the eye to turn red.

This often causes irritation and severe itching.

While in some cases conjunctivitis heals on its own, some cases are severe and require consultation with the doctor.

Symptoms

According to Aga Khan University Hospital, symptoms include redness in the eye, increased tears from the affected eye, burning sensation, itchiness, and thick yellowish discharge from the eyes

How does it spread?

Pink eyes can be caused by a virus, bacteria or an allergy from dust, pollen, chlorinated pool, or any other item.

It can also spread from person to person through close contact with the infected person or by touching the used items of the infected person; coughing and sneezing

Treatment

Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) has released guidelines for the viral infection.

It states that viral conjunctivitis can be treated with an antibiotic eye drop and/or a steroid eye drop. This helps in reducing the inflammation but does not treat the infection.

The symptoms can also be countered with cool compress and lubricant eye drops like artificial eye drops (which can also be refrigerated to keep it cool and soothe the eyes).

How to stop Pink Eye?

  1. Discard tissues that come in contact with the infected eye discharge.
  2. Do not share towel, soap, pillow and other similar items with others if you are infected.
  3. Do not share eye drops even with the infected person.
  4. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds; especially before and after washing applying the ointment to the infected eye.
  5. Wash your hands after coming in contact with the infected person or with the items used by the patient.

Remember to seek medical help in case of severe pain and sensitivity to light, weakening of vision, and if redness persists more than 10-14 days.