ISLAMABAD, Aug 6: People suffering from conjunctivitis have been advised to avoid self-medication, indiscriminate use of antibiotics or steroids, as it may complicate the ailment or even damage the cornea.

In a press release, Prof Dr Yasin Durrani, an ophthalmologist said in case of prolonged convalescence, the patient should consult an eye specialist. He said doctors should be extremely careful in handling such cases.

Dr Durrani said since the disease was self-limiting, it did not have any sequel once the infective stage had passed. He said normally it took 3-4 weeks before the symptoms disappeared.

As there is no specific treatment of the disease, he advised the patients to make use of decongestant eyedrops or any sterile eye solution. Repeatedly washing the eyes with sterile cold water is very soothing to the eyes. Antibiotic eyedrops are only advisable under a doctor’s prescription if there is a danger of secondary bacterial infection.