Ashob e Chashm(Conjunctivitis): Causes, Sign & Quick Remedies

  Understanding and Dealing with Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis or Ashob e Chashm)

Introduction

If your eyes feel painful, irritated, and watery, don't ignore these symptoms as minor issues. Karachi, the largest city in our country, is facing a serious outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as Pink Eye. It's crucial to equip ourselves with the right knowledge to protect against this contagious eye condition.

What is Conjunctivitis or Ashob e Chashm?

Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye, is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the eyelid and eyeball, called the conjunctiva. When tiny blood vessels in this membrane become swollen and irritated, the whites of the eyes can appear red or pink. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens.

Signs and Symptoms

You can recognize Conjunctivitis by the following symptoms:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Eye discharge (can vary in thickness)
• Pain, stinging, burning, or discomfort
• Excessive tearing
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Allergic reactions to contact lenses
• Fluctuating or reduced eyesight

Causes

Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergens (like pollen or dust)
• Irritating chemicals
• Contact lenses
• Foreign objects in the eye (like eyelashes)
• Air pollutants (such as smoke or dust)
• Fungi
• Parasites

Types of Conjunctivitis (Ashob e Chashm) :

There are three main types of Conjunctivitis:

Viral Conjunctivitis: Often caused by the same viruses that lead to common colds.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Typically spreads through contact with objects contaminated by infected eye secretions.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Triggered by allergens and irritants, and can be seasonal or persistent.

Prevention

If you have Conjunctivitis, take these precautions to prevent spreading it:

Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid Touching: Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen the condition or spread it to the other eye.

Separate Eye Drops: Use different bottles or dispensers for your infected and healthy eyes.

Contact Lenses: Stop using contact lenses unless advised by an ophthalmologist.

Personal Items: Do not share personal items like towels, washcloths, makeup brushes, eye drops, eye or face makeup, contact lenses, contact lens cases, or eyeglasses.

Swimming Pools: Avoid swimming pools.

If you are around someone with Conjunctivitis, take steps to protect yourself:

Hand Cleaning: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid Eye Contact: Refrain from touching your eyes with unwashed hands.

Personal Items: Do not share personal items like towels, washcloths, eye drops, makeup brushes, eye or face makeup, contact lenses, contact lens cases, or eyeglasses.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis (Ashob e Chashm):

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and depends on the type of Conjunctivitis( ASHOB E CHASHM) :

Artificial Tears: Use artificial tears to soothe your eyes.

Eyelid Cleaning: Clean your eyelids with a damp cloth.

Warm or Cold Compresses: Apply warm or cold compresses to your eyes several times a day.

For specific types of Conjunctivitis (Ashob e Chashm):

Viral Conjunctivitis: Often clears up on its own within 7 to 14 days; antiviral medication may be prescribed in severe cases.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Mild cases may improve without antibiotics, but antibiotics are prescribed for more severe cases.

Allergic Conjunctivitis: Removing allergens from your environment and using anti-allergic medications or eye drops can help.

Preventing Reinfection

After recovering from Conjunctivitis, take these precautions to avoid reinfection:

• Dispose of any eye, face, or cosmetic products used during your illness.
• Discard contact lenses and solutions used while your eyes are infected.
• Clean eyeglasses and their cases used during the infection.