KARACHI, Oct 26: Because of the current changing weather conditions in the city, the incidence of viral conjunctivitis is also on the rise. The condition characterised by redness and irritation in the eyes with a painful swelling is more prevalent in areas lacking satisfactory standards of sanitation and hygiene.

The rising levels of air and water pollution is another major source of spread of conjunctivitis infection.

Dr Niaz Brohi, medical superintendent of the Spencer’s Eye Hospital, told Dawn that viral conjunctivitis makes a routine appearance in the city whenever any change in weather is about to take place.

Dr Brohi also dispelled the common impression about viral conjunctivitis being mostly contagious. He said the infection spread only when aided by some sort of bacterial infection. The living conditions of people, their occupation and body’s immune system were other important factors determining a person’s ability to fight the attack of viral conjunctivitis.

Once the infection is acquired, Dr Brohi said it was important to maintain good personal hygiene and to wash eyes with distilled cool water as often as possible.

According to Dr Brohi it is very important to know that this condition does not require any medication, and normally lasts from one week to ten days. The only prescriptions made for this condition are of eye drops or preparations which are meant to provide soothing effect to the eyes and reduce irritation.

He said it was important to take measures for the prevention of secondary infection during a bout of viral conjunctivitis.