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Now, isn’t this an eye-opener?

PHOTO:CH. VIJAYA BHASKAR

SUNGLASSES HELP They prevent harsh light from irritating your sore eyes further

Redness in the eye, itching, a gritty feeling. All this, combined with continuous watering of the eye, or worse, a continuous discharge that glues the eyelids together overnight. Conjunctivitis, the inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) or Madras Eye as we call it, has tormented most of us at some point of time.

But you can’t dismiss it as just ‘Madras Eye’ any longer and merely treat it with over-the-counter eye drops, repeated washing and dark glasses. Keratoconjunctivitis, a type of conjunctivitis caused by protozoan parasites, can cause blindness in some patients, if left untreated.

“We see sporadic cases of keratoconjunctivitis now, about one in a month,” says cornea and refractive surgery consultant Dr. Anand Parthasarathy of Vasan Eye Care Hospital, which was the first hospital in Chennai to report this rare form of conjunctivitis in September last.

How do you recognise this protozoan keratoconjunctivitis? “If the conjunctivitis does not seem to heal even after five to seven days of the usual treatment, you need to investigate for keratoconjunctivitis,” says Dr. S. Prashanth, consultant eye surgeon. In such a situation, microbial culture of the discharge must be done besides examination of stools to detect the offending protozoan. Corneal smear may be required.

“Photophobia or sensitivity and aversion to light will be more in the case of keratoconjunctivitis,” adds Dr. Prashanth. In normal conjunctivitis, unless the cornea (the central black portion of the eye) is infected, there will be nophotophobia. Loose bowel movement may be noted in keratoconjunctivitis. “Often, people are given broad spectrum antibiotics for keratoconjunctivitis. In mild forms or early days, this may work. But in some cases, it does not and requires a different spectrum of anti-protozoa drugs,” says Dr. Parthasarathy.

“Immuno-compromised individuals (people affected by HIV virus, people on immuno-suppressants) and people with uncontrolled diabetes are particularly susceptible to keratoconjunctivitis,” says Dr. Prashanth.

Pain and blurring of vision should be taken as an alarm signal. “Microsporidia”, Dr. L. Damodaran says, “may spread as a result of water stagnation. The protozoa can survive in water for up to four months.” So drinking or bathing in this contaminated water can get your eyes infected. And be especially careful during the monsoon season, when keratoconjunctivitis peaks.

The conjunctivitis that is most likely to hit us during these four hot and dusty summer months (April , May, June and July) is allergic conjunctivitis, caused by allergens like pollen and dust and aggravated by heat. Kids and teenagers tend to be affected by it more, and watch out. “If it becomes chronic, these people may get corneal eye problems in the future.”

You won’t encounter much discharge in allergic conjunctivitis, except in severe cases; but there would be redness, itching and watering. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with anti-allergic eye drops after consultations with your physician. “The strategy to prevent it would be to avoid exposure to allergens, and washing the eyes with water about four times a day. And if there is itching, don’t rub the eye; dip a piece of cloth in cold water and place it over the eye (cold compress), and you will get great relief,” Dr. Anand Parthasarathy says.

Use wet cotton to clean away the discharge. Use disposable kerchiefs to check its spread. Sun glasses can be a big comfort, when you have to venture outdoors during the day. Conjunctivitis may be caused by virus or bacteria, by protozoans, allergens, chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, or eye injuries. Avoid such situations.

Wash your eyes with clean water three or four times a day.

Avoid exposure to allergens like pollen and dust and to heat.

When there is itching, don’t rub your eyes: place a cloth dipped in cold water over your eyes

If there is significant aversion to light, and if the conjunctivitis does not get better after four to seven days of the usual treatment, consult an eye specialist.

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