Eyes are a great blessing of Allah.
One of the greatest favors that Allah has granted us is the blessing of sight. The Most High says: "Have we not given him two eyes?" (Al-Balad: 8). That is to say: We made him two eyes so that he can see with them.
Signs of an eye infection may include:
· Pain in the eye.
· The sensation that there is something in the eye (foreign body sensation).
· Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
· Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye.
· Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids.
· A gray or white sore on the colored part of the eye (iris).
· Fever with no other cause.
· Blurred or diminished vision.
KARACHI:
The metropolis has witnessed a rise in viral eye infections during the current rainy season, with dozens of cases reported daily. Public and private hospitals across the city have been dealing with rising cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as conjunctivitis.
Jinnah Hospital, a leading medical center in the city, has registered 50 cases in its Outpatient Department (OPD) every day. Of these, 25 cases refer specifically to the red eye infection, which affects both children and adults.
Leading consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Muhammad Moizuddin has attributed this increase to the transmission of the infection through direct contact with the eye secretions of affected individuals. The infection, which is known to persist for a period of 8 to 10 days, manifests as redness of the eye, accompanied by moisture and discomfort. Dr. Moizuddin advises affected individuals to maintain strict hygiene practices, including separating their items such as towels and toiletries.
Amid this growing concern, those affected are advised to use prescribed eye drops and clean tissues to wipe their eyes. Cold water is noted to soothe affected eyes and offers temporary relief from discomfort. There is still a consensus that adherence to precautionary measures and impeccable cleanliness is essential to stop the transmission of this highly contagious eye infection.
Detailing the symptoms of conjunctivitis, Dr. Rabia Chaudhry, an attending ophthalmologist at Jinnah Karachi Hospital, emphasized the appearance of red, itchy, and inflamed eyes. In addition, he noted the formation of lumps near the ears and, in some cases, the involvement of the cornea, which could affect the individual's visual acuity.
While quick recovery is expected if the infection is limited to the white of the eye, cases where the cornea is compromised require a longer healing period, ranging from two to three weeks.
Dr. Chaudhry stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures, given the propensity of the infection to spread from person to person. Contrary to what is erroneously thought, he affirms that the infection is not contracted by simple eye contact; rather, it is facilitated by direct exposure to the ocular fluids of the infected individual. In particular, in many cases, red eyes have been shown to coexist with cold, flu, and cough symptoms. `
Dr. Chaudhry also provided crucial advice on how to mitigate the risk of transmission in homes and workplaces. By maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding shared items, people can greatly reduce the chances of spreading the infection. Proper hand washing before administering eye drops, along with careful application, is a vital line of defense.
Itching caused by light often accompanies the infection, so sunglasses and cold packs can provide some respite. Children have not been spared from this contagion; therefore, it is urged to pay special attention to their well-being.
You must be logged in to post a comment.