An alarming increase in conjunctivitis has emerged as a major global health concern, affecting a significant number of people across continents. India is also currently witnessing an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as ‘pink eye’, a contagious eye infection. It is highly contagious infection usually caused by a virus. 


What is Pink Eye or Conjuctivitis: 

This contagious eye condition involves the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like redness, itching, and excessive tearing.


Cause and Epidemiology: 

The outbreak can be triggered by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and exposure to irritants (pollens, cosmetics or other materials). Presently it is an adenoviral conjunctivitis. Anecdotal reports indicate a new COVID variant (called Arcturus) the latest strain of omicron, XBB.1.16, may be a cause of it. Scientists believe that about 1-3% of patients with COVID-19 have pink eye as a symptom.

The severity of the current situation is evident from the alarming 20% increase in cases compared to the previous year. Arcturus was first reported in January 2023 and has spread rapidly in many nations. Arcturus seems to have a tendency to produce conjunctivitis, particularly in children and it tends to produce more fever than some of the other strains. These are the two most distinctive features of this variant.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is contagious and often spreads while being in direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, usually through hand-to-eye contact. People in crowded areas, offices and children are most likely to get infected.



Symptoms:

Common symptoms are: 

  • Redness in one or both eyes.
  • Itchiness in one or both eyes.
  • A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
  • A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.
  • Tearing.
  • Sensitivity to light, called photophobia.


Precautions:

While conjunctivitis primarily spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions, transmission can also occur through touching contaminated surfaces (such as doorknobs, tables, or chairs.) Thus, the mistaken assumption that wearing shades and venturing into crowded places or offices would spare others from the contagion is unfounded. 

Ensuring frequent hand sanitization after touching public surfaces thus becomes crucial in curbing the spread. Therefore, hygiene should be maintained. Hand and facial hygiene are very important to prevent its spread. Vigilance in maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding shared items, and practicing hand sanitization are the most effective measures to protect oneself and the community from this eye infection.

Amid rise in conjunctivitis or eye flu cases, doctors warn against irrational and excessive use of steroid eye drops. It is also not advisable to use antibiotic eye drops which are totally unnecessary and not at all needed in many cases. These may bring temporary relief but can do more harm in the long run.

Corticosteroids should be specially avoided because they can potentially prolong infection, People should be aware that not all cases in this epidemic of conjunctivitis require antibiotic treatment. Most can be easily treated with Homeopathy alone.

Early detection and use of appropriate homeopathic medicines is the key to expeditious resolution of the disease and can help minimize potential harmful effects or transmission of untreated conjunctivitis.





Homeopathic Treatment:

Conjunctivitis is a self-limiting infection and an individual's immunity plays an important role in how fast he or she gets healed, therefore antibiotic eye drops and steroidal drops should be strictly avoided. Instead, Homeopathic Remedies should be used to combat such viral infections, because they seem to be acting rather fast in such viral infections.

Homeopathy is highly effective in treating all kinds of acute viral infections. Such kinds of acute viral epidemics of eye flu have been treated very well with the help of Homeopathic remedies ever since. The commonly indicated medicines for pink eye are Apis mel, Aconite, Allium cepa, Argentum-nitricum, Belladonna, Euphrasia, Pulsatilla, Ruta, etc. Even if you don't have the flu, some of the Homeopathic medicines can still be taken as a preventive during the outbreaks, because Homeopathy is also effective as a prophylactic against infections. 

Maintaining proper hygiene and timely visit to your nearest homeopath might save you from unnecessary hospital visits and a long-term illness. Self-diagnosis and self-medication is never recommended as it can be harmful. Choice of the right remedy in the right dosage should solely be left upon your homeopathic physician. Always seek advice of a qualified homeopathic physician before taking any medicines. For online consultation or any related queries consult our expert homeopathic doctors and book an appointment with us.




Disclaimer: The author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.