Eye flu, commonly known as conjunctivitis or pink eye, is a condition that often occurs during the monsoon. Characterised by symptoms such as redness in one or both eyes, watery discharge, irritation and/or a gritty sensation, the condition causes discomfort and can make everyday activities, such as reading, working or using screens, difficult. Although most cases of eye flu are mild and usually improve with appropriate care, severe, persistent or worsening symptoms may require medical evaluation. In this article, we'll walk you through the causes, symptoms and treatment of eye flu, along with some precautions to help prevent its spread.

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu is an inflammation of the conjunctiva - a thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inner eyelids. The conjunctiva helps protect the eye from irritants and infection by keeping its surface moist. When something irritates the conjunctiva or triggers an immune response, it can become inflamed and cause redness, swelling, watering, itching and discharge.

Eye flu can affect one or both eyes and, depending on the underlying cause, can spread from person to person. This makes proper care, hygiene and appropriate treatment important for managing the condition and limiting its spread.

Causes of Eye Flu During Monsoon

During the monsoon season, increased humidity, heavy rainfall and waterlogging can create favourable conditions for pathogens to grow and spread. The primary causes of infectious eye flu (conjunctivitis) during this period include:

Viral Infections

Adenoviruses are a common cause of viral conjunctivitis and can occur alongside respiratory infections or cold symptoms. Viral conjunctivitis can cause redness, watering, irritation and discharge and often spreads easily between people. Other viruses, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, can also cause conjunctivitis, although they are less common.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial conjunctivitis can result from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. It may cause redness, swelling and thicker yellow or green discharge from the eyes. Depending on the cause and severity, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment.

Poor Hand Hygiene

Touching the eyes with unwashed hands can transfer microorganisms to the delicate tissues around the eyes. Frequent handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with the eyes can reduce this risk.

Sharing Personal Items

Sharing towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, cosmetics or other items that come into contact with the face can contribute to the spread of infectious conjunctivitis.

Allergens and Environmental Irritants

Monsoon can increase exposure to mould and other environmental allergens. These may trigger allergic conjunctivitis in susceptible individuals, causing symptoms such as itching, redness and watering. Unlike infectious conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Eye Flu

Symptoms of eye flu may vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Redness or pink discolouration of the eye

• Excessive watering

• Itching or irritation

• A gritty or uncomfortable sensation in the eye

• Swelling of the eyelids or the area around the eyes

• Discharge from the eye

• Eyelids sticking together, particularly after sleeping

• Increased sensitivity to light

• Temporary blurred vision due to discharge or excessive watering

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Eye redness and irritation do not always indicate a serious condition. However, some symptoms require medical evaluation, particularly when they are severe, persistent or affect your vision. Consider consulting an eye specialist if you experience:

• Severe eye pain

• Significant sensitivity to light

• Blurred or reduced vision

• Persistent or worsening redness

• Significant swelling around the eyes

• Thick or persistent eye discharge

• Symptoms that do not improve or continue to worsen

• Symptoms following an eye injury or exposure to a chemical

• Eye redness or pain while wearing contact lenses

Contact lens wearers should seek prompt medical attention if they develop eye pain, redness or changes in vision, as these symptoms can sometimes indicate a corneal infection. A timely eye examination can help identify the underlying cause of the symptoms and determine whether you need specific treatment.

Treatment for Eye Flu

Treatment for eye flu depends on its underlying cause. An eye specialist may examine the eyes and assess the symptoms before recommending appropriate treatment.

Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may include:

• Lubricating eye drops: Artificial tears may help relieve dryness, irritation and discomfort. • Cold compresses: Applying a clean, cool compress over closed eyes may help reduce irritation and swelling.

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: Doctors may prescribe these when bacterial conjunctivitis is suspected or confirmed. Antibiotics do not treat viral conjunctivitis.

• Treatment for allergies: If an allergic reaction is responsible for the symptoms, the doctor may recommend suitable anti-allergy treatment or eye drops.

• Temporary contact lens restriction: People who wear contact lenses should avoid using them while they have symptoms and follow their eye specialist's advice on when it is safe to resume wearing them.

Avoid using leftover eye drops or medication prescribed for someone else. Some eye drops, particularly those containing steroids, can cause complications when used without appropriate medical supervision. At Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, our eye specialists assess your symptoms and determine the likely cause of eye flu before recommending the right treatment.

Tips to Prevent Eye Flu From Spreading

If you or someone close to you develops infectious conjunctivitis, a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of spreading it to others:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching your eyes or applying eye drops.

• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

• Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, cosmetics or other personal items.

• Avoid sharing eye drops with other people.

• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.

• Wash towels, pillowcases and other items that come into contact with the face.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses while you have symptoms.

• Do not use eye makeup while the infection is active, and consider replacing eye makeup that may have become contaminated.

• Avoid close contact with others when you have symptoms, particularly if you have been diagnosed with infectious conjunctivitis.

• Follow your doctor's advice about treatment and returning to work, school or other activities.

Good hand hygiene remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the transmission of infectious eye conditions.

Eye Care at Ujala Cygnus Hospitals

At Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, our ophthalmology team provides evaluation and treatment for a range of eye conditions, including eye flu. Our eye specialists assess patients' specific symptoms and may recommend a clinical examination to identify the underlying cause. Based on the findings, they recommend appropriate treatment and eye care.

If you or a loved one develops persistent eye redness, discharge, pain, swelling or changes in vision during the monsoon, consult the eye specialists at Ujala Cygnus for appropriate evaluation. To book a consultation, call 9146691466.