This sudden uptick in conjunctivitis cases has created a palpable sense of unease within the cities, as the eye condition, often referred to as “pink eye,” has rapidly spread across various neighborhoods.
The eye infection is wreaking havoc in Lahore, with more than five hundred patients flooding hospitals daily.
Experts warn that if precautions are not taken, there is a significant risk of widespread transmission of the virus, known as viral conjunctivitis.
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Patients suffering from the infection have reported painful redness, swelling, and excessive tearing in their eyes.
The virus is spreading at an unprecedented rate, with infections being transmitted not only through direct contact but also through the air and casual conversations.
Professor Asad Aslam, an ophthalmologists, emphasized the importance of precautionary measures.
“This virus can easily spread through touching contaminated surfaces, close contact with infected individuals, and even through talking,” warns Professor Aslam.
“To protect yourself, it’s advisable to wear black glasses, separate your bedding and utensils immediately, and exercise extreme caution to avoid further transmission.”
Professor Aslam further emphasized the necessity of practicing good hygiene to contain the virus. “The virus can persist on surfaces for seven to ten days, and sometimes even up to three or four weeks. If a patient touches their eyeball and then contacts other surfaces or individuals, there is a high risk of transmission.”
Medical experts say that pinkeye is spreading rapidly in densely populated cities where people are exposed to unfriendly environments, such as factories, bazaars, markets, and shopping plazas.
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They have also highlighted that eye infection is wreaking havoc in Lahore, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the disease burden, with over 200 patients flooding hospitals daily.
Eye experts have issued warnings about the significant risk of widespread transmission of the infection due to a lack of precautions, known as viral conjunctivitis.
Senior ophthalmologist and former vice chancellor of King Edward Medical University Prof. Dr. Asad Aslam says that it is premature to assess the true impact of viral conjunctivitis or pinkeye, as much work remains to officially record the exact number of reported cases.
He said that pinkeye is a common and self-limiting condition that affects the lining of the eyelid and eyeball, adding that it is treatable at any stage.