Viral conjunctivitis giving people the pink eye in Chennai

Chennai: The virus that leaves many with a running nose and respiratory diseases is now beginning to leave people with a pink eye. Conjunctivitis, one of the most common eye problems, is now back with a vengeance, doctors say.


Nearly 90% of all conjunctivitis is caused by adenovirus. “The affected eye is red, itchy, irritated and gritty, and produces a watery discharge similar to tears. In some people, it quickly spreads to the second eye as well,” said Dr S Soundari, head of medical services, Agarwal Eye Hospitals. “I see at least five new patients with this problem every day. Many come after trying antibiotics from the drug store, but since it’s caused by a virus, antibiotics don’t work,” she said.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of conjunctiva, the normally transparent membrane that sits on top of the white part of the eye (sclera). The conjunctiva secretes mucus and tears that lubricates the eye. It also contains immune cells and tissue that prevents infection. The eye turns pink because the blood vessels dilate in response to irritation and inflammation caused by the virus. “It is also why eyes go dry and tired,” said senior ophthalmologist Dr M Anand Babu.

Although uneasiness from conjunctivitis settles down in three or four days, most patients are advised to stay in isolation for at least ten days. Eye secretions and droplets from the respiratory tract of infected people transmit the virus. “It is highly contagious, it often causes epidemics in schools, workplaces and within family,” he said.

Like most viral diseases, there is no antiviral medication for treating conjunctivitis caused by virus. Doctors may, however, prescribe eye drops that can help keep the eye moist. Eye compressions and massages may work wonders.

Meanwhile, intensive care units of childrens’ hospitals and wards are filling with children having severe respiratory diseases caused by adenovirus. “It makes them very sick and some even require ventilation, but many of them often come around,” said senior intensivist Dr Bala Ramachandran of the Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital.