Spread of Conjunctivitis: Doctors warn against irrational use of ‘Steroid Eye Drops’
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New Delhi: Amid a rise in cases of conjunctivitis and eye flu in the national capital, doctors have cautioned against irrational use of ‘steroid eye drops’, saying they may provide temporary relief but may cause more harm in the long run. A senior eye surgeon at Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Hospital, Dr. J.S. Bhalla said that early detection and proper treatment are the keys to the resolution of the disease and can prove to be helpful in reducing the potentially harmful effects or transmission of untreated conjunctivitis.
He said that the current infectious disease ‘conjunctivitis’ is a self-healing disease over a period of time and antibiotic treatment is not required in all cases. Dr. Bhalla pointed out that hand and face hygiene is very important to prevent the spread of eye infections. ‘However, it should be noted that treatment guidelines recommend caution in the use of steroid eye drops as this can potentially prolong infection,’ he added. Both Bhalla and Titial caution against indiscriminate use of steroid eye drops, saying that ‘over-the-counter steroids’ should not be used unless prescribed by an ophthalmologist for specific symptoms Go
Risk of antibiotic resistance from inappropriate antibiotic treatment
RP of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The head of the center Dr. J.S. Titiyal said the condition is usually caused by viruses, which are highly contagious and spread rapidly. He said that R.P. The Center has found ‘adenovirus’ as the causative agent in all the cases tested. Titiyal said, ‘Viral infection of the eyes is ‘self-limiting’ and the person can recover in one to two weeks.
However, the chances of re-infection are less and recovery may be delayed. ‘In such cases, the use of antibiotic eye drops is recommended,’ he added. However, Bhalla said that in about 50 per cent of the cases, it can be seen that antibiotics were used without knowing the exact cause of the eye infection. He warned that inappropriate antibiotic treatment could lead to the risk of antibiotic resistance.
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