ISLAMABAD: With the start of the pre-monsoon season, health experts have warned against an increase in eye infections and suggest people be extra careful and avoid using contact lenses during the season.

“Monsoon brings with it high humidity which is the leading cause of many eye infections. It could trigger an attack of conjunctivitis, unwanted corneal ulcers and other serious problems. Parents and teachers should keep an eye on vision problems in children during the next three months for timely intervention,” said chief of medical services at Al-Shifa Eye Trust, Dr Wajid Ali Khan in a statement on Wednesday.

He said people should avoid self-medicating and consult an ophthalmologist as soon as they experience redness in the eye, burning or a swelling.

Corneal ulcers are one of the more serious infections that are common during the monsoon season, he said, which can lead to blindness if wrongly medicated. The symptoms include extreme pain, pus discharge and blurred vision.

“Eye stye is also common during this season. Symptoms include excruciating pain, pus discharge and redness over the eyelids. Basic treatment includes warm and cold compresses, eye drops and other medication but if the size of the lump increases, the patient needs to visit an ophthalmologist,” he said.

The doctor said people should avoid sharing towels and other personal items to avoid the spread of infections.

Those administering drops to patients should wash their hands immediately afterwards and in case of red-eye, over the counter eye drops should be avoided and expert advice should be sought,” Dr Khan said.

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2018