Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent Conjunctivitis Amid Alarming Spate in Pune

The recent surge of conjunctivitis cases in Pune and neighboring areas has raised concerns among residents. To address this alarming situation, our team of eye specialists at Dr. Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care is offering essential guidelines to minimize the risk of contracting such infections.

Do’s:

• Avoid touching your eyes: Resist the urge to rub or touch your eyes with unwashed hands, as this can transfer bacteria and viruses, leading to conjunctivitis.
• Use clean towels and linens: Opt for clean towels, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs to prevent the spread of germs that can cause conjunctivitis.
• Keep your hands away from your face: Refrain from touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this reduces the risk of infection.
• Keep your environment clean: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and shared electronic devices.
• Keep your contact lenses clean: If you wear contact lenses, follow proper hygiene and disinfection guidelines to prevent eye infections.
• Include lysine-rich foods: Incorporate dairy products, mango, papaya, broccoli, and soybeans into your diet, as they are rich in lysine, which inhibits the growth of viruses.

Don’ts:

• Avoid sharing personal items: Refrain from sharing towels, eye makeup, contact lenses, or any personal items that come into contact with your eyes.
• Don’t wear contact lenses or makeup when your eyes are irritated: If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis or eye irritation, avoid wearing contact lenses or excessive makeup until your eyes have fully healed.
• Don’t self-medicate: If you suspect you have conjunctivitis in Pune, avoid self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Consult an eye hospital in Pune for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Avoid exposure to infected individuals: If someone around you has conjunctivitis, maintain a safe distance and avoid direct contact with their eye secretions.
• Don’t use expired eye drops or medications: Always check the expiration date on eye drops or any prescribed medications for eye issues.
• Avoid arginine-rich foods: Minimize consumption of orange juice, chocolates, protein supplements, and excessive red meat, as they are rich in arginine, which can promote the growth of certain viruses.
• Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of conjunctivitis and protect your eyes from infections. If you experience any symptoms or suspect conjunctivitis, seek timely advice and treatment from our experienced eye specialists at Raut Eye Care.

Dr. Aditya Raut
MBBS, DOMS (Ophthalmology)
Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Raut Eye Care