MADRAS EYE OR PINK EYE in TAMILNADU

By MedoDrix-Preethi

Every day, 4,000 to 4,500 cases of conjunctivitis commonly known as the Madras eye were being reported in government hospitals across Tamil Nadu. In Chennai alone, 80 to 100 people a day report eye infections. From the beginning of seasonal change till date, 1.50 lakh were treated for the infection, and of these numbers, no loss of vision was reported.

66 samples were sent to the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in Guindy. Adenovirus and enterovirus were detected in 56 samples. All government hospitals were instructed to display awareness boards or placards on conjunctivitis.

TRANSMISSION:

Madras eye or Conjunctivitis is a common condition that spreads rapidly from one person to another. It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis spreads through secretions from the eye. Thus, if a person touches his/her eye, he/she can pass on the infective virus or bacteria to another person or object that comes in contact with the secretion. But Allergic conjunctivitis and conjunctivitis are due to chemicals or irritants which does not spread from person to person.

conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection. It can easily spread from one person to another through personal belongings like towels, pillow covers, and makeup items. Hence isolation of patients is important.

CAUSES:

The most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) are

•Viruses

•Bacteria

•Allergens

Other causes include;

•Chemicals

•Contact lens wear

•Foreign bodies in the eye (like a loose eyelash)

•Indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors

•Fungi

•Ameba and parasites

SYMPTOMS:

The common symptoms of conjunctivitis are irritation, watering, red eyes, sticky discharge, and sensitivity to light. But when the cornea - the layer on the black part of the eye - is infected, it can result in blurred vision. The contagious viral infection, which causes swelling and inflammation among some patients, has been taking longer to heal.

PREVENTION:

•Washing hands often.

• Avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye.

•Changing or washing bedding, such as pillowcases, sheets, and comforters, at frequent intervals.

•Using clean towels and washing used towels at a high temperature.

•Refraining from sharing makeup with others

• Avoid wearing contact lenses or makeup.

• Throw away any makeup that may be contaminated.

TREATMENT:

1. Use a cool compress:

Pink eye causes inflammation around the eye.

A person can make a cool compress by soaking a clean washcloth or hand towel in cold water and wringing out any excess water. They can then hold the cloth over the affected eye for a few minutes.

2. Damp cloth clean

People with bacterial pink eye might find that thick discharge, or pus, leaks from the eye. Pus dries quickly, forming a crust along the edges of the eyelids.

People can try using a warm, damp cloth to remove pus from the eye and lashes. They may also find that a warm shower helps remove the dry crust.

3. Eye drops

People can use artificial tears to soothe irritation or burning in the eye. Artificial tears are a type of eye drop that people can buy OTC.

Eye drops may be especially helpful when a person has pink eye due to allergies because they can help clean the eye and remove traces of the allergen.

4. Pain-relieving medication

Some OTC medications may help relieve the pain of pink eye, but they will not cure it.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help with inflammation. Allergy medication may also relieve the symptoms of allergic pink eye. These medications includeTrusted Source:

                         •Allergy eye drops

                         •Oral antihistamines

                         •Mast cell inhibitors