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Dr Sujay Naik, ophthalmologist at Apollo Clinic, said his clinic had treated around 50 patients over the past couple of weeks. Because the treatment differs, he said distinguishing between allergic and infective conjunctivitis was essential.
Pune: Ophthalmologists in the city have reported a rise in conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) cases over the past few weeks, with changing weather and infections contributing to the increase. The eastern parts of the city have seen a noticeable rise in cases over the past two to three weeks, said Dr Apoorva Jadhav, consultant at NIO Eyes+ in Kharadi. “It is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly through close contact, shared personal items and poor hand hygiene,” she said. Allergy-causing conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines,” Dr Naik said. Dr Shilpa Joshi, head of the cornea department at PBMA’s HV Desai Eye Hospital, said seasonal clusters of adenoviral conjunctivitis were common during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, particularly between Oct and Dec. Sudden temperature changes may coincide with a rise in cases, she said, adding that infections can spread from one family member to others through contaminated hands and respiratory droplets. Overcrowding further increases the risk of transmission, she said. Dr Kuldeep Dole, ophthalmologist at Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, said anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or worsening discomfort should seek medical attention rather than self-medicate.
Children, senior citizens and immunocompromised people are particularly vulnerable. The clinic is seeing around three patients daily. Symptoms include redness, excessive watering, itching, irritation, mild eyelid swelling and discharge. Some patients may also experience sensitivity to light and temporary blurred vision. The trend extends beyond eastern Pune. “Generally, viral conjunctivitis passes on its own, while bacterial infections require treatment with special antibiotics. He advised patients against self-medication and urged them to consult an oculist for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors have advised people to maintain hand hygiene, avoid rubbing their eyes and refrain from sharing towels or other personal items.