6 pc of people who get afflicted by conjunctivitis likely to develop eyesight issues

BENGALURU: The red eye infection, called conjunctivitis’, commonly known as Madras eye, has become widespread of late. Parts of North Karnataka are witnessing a surge in conjunctivitis cases and many people dismissed it as just an infection that would be cured in two or three days. But now, research by the Narayana Nethralaya has revealed a scary outcome of contracting the virus.

It is a matter of concern that the disease is spreading rapidly among children, especially those under the age of 14. About 30 per cent of children develop the infection, raising concern among doctors about the increasing trend, especially when it comes to newborn babies. Doctors suggested that parents should not send their infected children to school and that the children need to take care.

According to Dr Rohit Shetty, head of Narayana Nethralaya, “About 6-7 of a total 100 people infected with conjunctivitis are facing problems of visual impairment (eye sight) and damage to the eyeball. Earlier, it did not harm the eyes. Of late, the virus has turned dangerous and is causing a lot of damage. Thus, many patients are facing eyesight issues after getting infected”.

Ophthalmologists have advised that Madras eyes should not be neglected and that infected persons should seek medical attention at the earliest.