Patna: Hospitals across Patna are witnessing a surge in conjunctivitis, or pink eye, with doctors attributing the rise to high humidity and seasonal infections during the monsoon.
According to doctors at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), outpatient departments have seen a 20% increase in conjunctivitis cases. Patients are reporting prolonged illness, with recovery now taking between seven and ten days, compared with the usual three to four.
“Two to three out of every ten patients visiting the OPD are presenting with conjunctivitis,” said Dr Vibhuti Prasanna Sinha, head of the Regional Eye Institute at IGIMS. “This indicates a significant jump in cases.”
Conjunctivitis is an infection that causes eyes to turn red or pink, often accompanied by burning, itching and watering. It can be viral, bacterial or allergic in origin, but is highly contagious in its infectious forms. Transmission occurs through handshakes, touching contaminated surfaces, or sharing items such as towels and handkerchiefs.
Dr Ajit Dwivedi, director of Rajendra Nagar Eye Superspeciality Hospital, urged patients to self-isolate to prevent spreading the infection. “Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable and should be protected from contact with infected individuals,” he said.
Civil surgeon Dr Avinash Kumar Singh appealed to the public to follow preventive measures: wash eyes with clean water, avoid sharing personal items, and resist applying medication without medical advice. He also advised people to stay away from crowded places and seek prompt medical consultation at the first sign of symptoms.
Doctors have stressed that basic hygiene remains the most effective defense. Frequent handwashing, avoiding unnecessary eye contact, and limiting exposure to infected individuals are key to curbing the spread.
