The incidence of conjunctivitis has decreased, however, concerns regarding a potential resurgence persist.

 

Ophthalmologists have observed a decrease in the number of cases of conjunctivitis in the metropolitan city, but express concerns about the possibility of a resurgence of the infection. Presently, the Civil Hospital reports a daily caseload of 100 conjunctivitis cases, while JPMC reports 60 cases.

Dr. Haris, the Additional Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, stated that in light of the ongoing epidemic, Dr. Khalid Sheikh, the medical superintendent of the hospital, has ensured the availability of necessary medications. "Despite the decline in cases, approximately 100 cases are still being reported daily, necessitating continued vigilance," he informed The Express Tribune.

Dr. Pawan Kumar and Dr. Sabir Hussain, from the ophthalmology department at JPMC, mentioned that conjunctivitis can easily spread through contact with infected individuals. Transmission occurs through the sharing of personal items such as towels, soaps, and tissues.

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include itching, inflammation, redness, and excessive watery discharge from the eyes. In the initial days of infection, the discomfort is often so severe that affected individuals may feel compelled to rub their eyes. However, after approximately four days, the discomfort and tearing subside.

They advised against rubbing the eyes during the infection and recommended rinsing the eyes with cold water for faster healing if the irritation is severe. Typically, the virus responsible for pink eye disappears within eight to ten days.

The ophthalmologists advised using sunglasses to protect the eyes from bright light during an infection. They refuted the misconception that conjunctivitis spreads merely by looking into the eyes of an infected person.