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“Recent dust storm in Delhi and High level of pollution is one of the major reason for rise in cases of conjunctivitis”
New Delhi, June 26, 2018:
Summer time is known for the various allergic ailments it brings with it. Allergic conjunctivitis, a common reaction of the eyes to dust particles is a prevalent problem in the Delhi-NCR area. This problem is seeing a rise also due to the recent weather conditions and pollutant levels in the atmosphere.
Ophthalmologist in Delhi are observing rise in number of patients suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis usually has two mild forms – seasonal and perennial. The more severe forms of the disease are vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Seasonal allergy is treatable with simple measures and in severe cases, with eye drops. However spring catarrh or vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) has the potential to affect the ocular surface to an extent of permanent vision loss. Largely seen in kids during spring-summer season, this allergy is a dangerous one.
Dr. Rohit Saxena, Professor of Ophthalmology, AIIMS said “Number of patients coming with Allergic Conjuctivitis has significantly increased recently. Dust storm, high level of pollution and dry weather are important factors which has lead to increase in number of patients coming with redness of eyes, stinging and burning. Children are more prone to allergic conjuctivitis during this season, precaution should be taken in order to protect eyes especially during this season when weather is hot combined with high level of pollution. Avoid long hours in direct sun, use protective eyewear, drink lots of water, wash eyes and consult a doctor if symptoms persist”
Dr. Ikeda Lal, Opthalmologist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi explains,” We are observing increase in number of patients coming with allergic conjunctivitis. The predominant symptom in allergic eye disease is itching which can be associated with redness and watering. Whereas, in viral conjunctivitis, patients usually complain of stickiness of the eyes, burning, irritation and redness. So, it is very important to differentiate the two as the treatment is different and also allergic conjunctivitis is not infectious. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a serious condition may further lead to complex diseases like keratoconus or limbal deficiency which are dangerous to the ocular surface and may cause permanent vision loss in extreme cases.”
Dr. Ikeda Lal further said ,”Treatment is mostly medical but in case of severe allergy like VKC and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, eyedrops may need to be constituted for a prolonged period. Most badly affected with this allergy are children who keep on rubbing their eyes. Constant eye rubbing can lead to development of keratoconus. Therefore, the habbit of eye rubbing needs to be replaced with habit of instilling eye drops.
People are advised to follow basic steps as precautions and tips to help deal with allergic conjunctivitis:
1. Do not rub your eyes if it itches
2. Wash your eyes with clean water; repeat if it still feels uncomfortable
3. Cold compresses help in relieving mild itching
4. See a doctor as soon as possible to avoid prolonged allergy
5. Wash your hands after returning home from outside
Delhi’s pollution level is gradually getting better with improving wind conditions. However ,PM10 is decreasing but caution should prevail among citizens since it is the season for allergies.
