(Nitin Konher)

Conjunctivitis, more popularly known as Pink Eye and in Hindi as कंजक्टिवाइटिस, is one of the most common eye infections worldwide. It occurs when the conjunctiva — the thin transparent layer covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids — becomes inflamed. The condition is generally not serious, but it can be very irritating, uncomfortable, and, in many cases, highly contagious.

During seasonal changes, particularly in humid monsoon months, conjunctivitis cases surge in India. Schools, offices, and crowded places often see outbreaks due to its contagious nature. To prevent and treat it effectively, awareness about its symptoms, causes, and remedies is essential.

🔹 What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that makes the eyes look red, watery, swollen, and itchy. It can affect one or both eyes. Depending on the cause, conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial, allergic, or even chemical-related.

Doctors often advise that while conjunctivitis itself is not a threat to vision in most cases, ignoring treatment or poor hygiene can worsen the infection.

🔹 Types of Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस के प्रकार)

1. Viral Conjunctivitis (वायरल कंजक्टिवाइटिस)

• Caused by adenoviruses and other viral infections.
• Extremely contagious and spreads quickly in schools or crowded areas.
• Symptoms: watery discharge, redness, irritation, light sensitivity.
• Usually heals on its own within 7–14 days.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis (बैक्टीरियल कंजक्टिवाइटिस)

• Caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus.
• Symptoms: sticky yellow-green discharge, swelling, irritation.
• Often requires antibiotic eye drops for recovery within 5–7 days.

3. Allergic Conjunctivitis (एलर्जिक कंजक्टिवाइटिस)

• Triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, perfumes, or smoke.
• Symptoms: intense itching, watery discharge, and swelling of eyelids.
• Not contagious; managed by avoiding allergens and using antihistamine eye drops.

4. Chemical Conjunctivitis (केमिकल कंजक्टिवाइटिस)

• Caused by exposure to chemicals, pollution, chlorine in pools, or harmful fumes.
• Requires immediate medical care to avoid damage.

🔹 Causes of Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस के कारण)

• Viral infections such as flu or cold viruses.
• Bacterial contamination.
• Allergens like pollen, smoke, or perfumes.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals or pollutants.
• Sharing makeup, towels, or contact lenses.
• Poor personal hygiene.

🔹 Symptoms of Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस के लक्षण)

• Redness in one or both eyes.
• Constant itching and irritation.
• Watery discharge or thick pus.
• Swelling of eyelids.
• Burning sensation and light sensitivity.
• Sticky eyelids upon waking up.

👉 Tip: If both eyes are affected with watery discharge, it’s likely viral. If only one eye is sticky with pus, it’s probably bacterial.

🔹 Is Conjunctivitis Contagious?

Yes, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. They can spread through:

• Direct hand-to-eye contact.
• Sharing towels, pillows, cosmetics, or contact lenses.
• Coughing and sneezing droplets.

However, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

🔹 Treatment of Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस का इलाज)

Medical Treatment

• Viral Conjunctivitis: Usually self-healing; lubricating eye drops can provide relief.
• Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and avoiding allergens.

Home Remedies (घरेलू उपचार)

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Wash eyes with clean, cold water.
• Use rose water or saline drops for relief.
• Avoid rubbing or touching eyes.
• Maintain hygiene and wash hands frequently.

⚠️ Note: Do not use random antibiotic drops without consulting a doctor, as wrong medication can worsen the condition.

🔹 Prevention of Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस से बचाव)

• Wash hands regularly with soap.
• Avoid sharing towels, pillows, and cosmetics.
• Clean eyeglasses and contact lenses properly.
• Avoid crowded places during outbreaks.
• Use sunglasses to protect eyes from dust and pollution.

🔹 Recovery Time (ठीक होने में समय)

• Viral conjunctivitis: 7–14 days.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: 3–7 days with antibiotics.
• Allergic conjunctivitis: Varies, depending on allergen exposure.

🔹 Complications (संभावित जटिलताएं)

Though conjunctivitis is usually mild, ignoring symptoms may cause:

• Severe corneal infection.
• Chronic irritation.
• Vision impairment (rare but possible in untreated bacterial cases).

🔹 Myths vs Facts about Conjunctivitis

❌ Myth: Conjunctivitis spreads by looking at someone’s eyes.
✅ Fact: It spreads through direct contact, not vision.

❌ Myth: Only children get pink eye.
✅ Fact: Anyone can be affected.

❌ Myth: Home remedies cure all conjunctivitis.
✅ Fact: Medical treatment is necessary for bacterial infections.

🔹 When to See a Doctor?

• Severe pain in the eyes.
• Blurred vision or sudden sensitivity to light.
• Symptoms not improving after 3–4 days.
• Excessive swelling or pus discharge.

Conclusion (निष्कर्ष)

Conjunctivitis (कंजक्टिवाइटिस), or pink eye, is a common eye infection that may look alarming but is generally manageable with the right care. Understanding its types, symptoms, causes, and treatment options helps reduce its spread and ensures faster recovery.

Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding direct contact, and following medical advice are the best ways to prevent complications. With timely treatment, conjunctivitis heals quickly and does not cause long-term damage.

👉 Key takeaway: Protect your eyes, keep your surroundings clean, and never ignore prolonged eye infections.

(Sai Features)

महेश रावलानी

मौसम विभाग पर जमकर पकड़, लगभग दो दशकों से मौसम का सटीक पूर्वानुमान जारी करने के लिए पहचाने जाते हैं. पत्रकारिता के क्षेत्र में लगभग 20 वर्षों से ज्यादा समय से सक्रिय महेश रावलानी वर्तमान में समाचार एजेंसी ऑफ इंडिया के ब्यूरो के रूप में कार्यरत हैं .

समाचार एजेंसी ऑफ इंडिया देश की पहली डिजीटल न्यूज एजेंसी है. इसका शुभारंभ 18 दिसंबर 2008 को किया गया था. समाचार एजेंसी ऑफ इंडिया में देश विदेश, स्थानीय, व्यापार, स्वास्थ्य आदि की खबरों के साथ ही साथ धार्मिक, राशिफल, मौसम के अपडेट, पंचाग आदि का प्रसारण प्राथमिकता के आधार पर किया जाता है. इसके वीडियो सेक्शन में भी खबरों का प्रसारण किया जाता है. यह पहली ऐसी डिजीटल न्यूज एजेंसी है, जिसका सर्वाधिकार असुरक्षित है, अर्थात आप इसमें प्रसारित सामग्री का उपयोग कर सकते हैं.

अगर आप समाचार एजेंसी ऑफ इंडिया को खबरें भेजना चाहते हैं तो व्हाट्सएप नंबर 9425011234 या ईमेल samacharagency@gmail.com पर खबरें भेज सकते हैं. खबरें अगर प्रसारण योग्य होंगी तो उन्हें स्थान अवश्य दिया जाएगा.