Health issues related to eyes are causing growing concern among residents in Nainital, Uttarakhand, as an increasing number of patients visit the BD Pandey District Hospital with complaints of burning sensations, itching, redness, grittiness, and excessive watering. According to Dr. Deepika Lohni, an ophthalmologist at the hospital, individuals of all age groups, including both children and adults, are currently reporting cases of dry eyes and pink eye, commonly known as eye flu. Medical professionals have strongly urged the public not to ignore these ocular symptoms and to seek appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
Daily patient influx at the district hospital
Dr. Deepika Lohni stated that the outpatient department receives roughly 5 to 10 patients daily for dry eye conditions. Additionally, around 4 to 5 individuals arrive every day seeking treatment for pink eye or eye flu. Apart from these, roughly 5 to 6 daily visits are recorded for vision-related discomfort stemming from prolonged screen time. The doctor noted that these optical troubles are increasingly affecting children as well. Staring at mobile phones, computers, and other digital displays for extended periods can cause dryness, burning, and irritation. Consequently, parents and guardians need to monitor children's screen exposure very closely.
Sticky eyelids as a sign of eye flu
Pink eye, frequently referred to as eye flu, involves infection and inflammation within the eyes that manifest through multiple symptoms. Redness, watery discharge, itching, pricking pains, and a gritty sensation are the primary indicators. Some patients also experience the nuisance of eyelids sticking together upon waking up in the morning. Dr. Deepika Lohni explained that certain strains of eye flu are contagious and can spread through contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated hands, or shared personal items. Maintaining strict hygiene is therefore essential to prevent the spread of infection.
Essential prevention and hygiene measures
Doctors advise against repeatedly touching the eyes with unwashed hands and recommend frequent handwashing with soap. Individuals should avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs, and personal items that come into contact with the face. If redness or discharge occurs, people must refrain from using over-the-counter medications or eye drops without professional medical advice. Maintaining proper hygiene breaks the transmission chain of contagious eye infections.
Understanding dry eye syndrome and its causes
Dr. Deepika Lohni elaborated that dry eye occurs when the quantity or quality of the tear film, which keeps the eye's surface moist, is compromised. This disruption leads to dryness, a burning sensation, pricking, and a feeling that something is stuck inside the eye. Surprisingly, despite having dry eyes, some individuals experience excessive tearing. She noted that prolonged screen viewing exacerbates this problem. When focusing continuously on digital screens, people blink much less frequently than normal, which depletes ocular moisture and causes fatigue and irritation.
Recommended practices for screen users
According to medical experts, taking intermittent breaks and blinking regularly while using screens can help alleviate eye strain. Users can adopt the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at an object positioned 20 feet away for about 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time. While this practice helps reduce eye fatigue, it does not guarantee protection against all vision problems. Furthermore, individuals should maintain a proper viewing distance, ensure adequate lighting, and consult an ophthalmologist if persistent burning or dryness occurs. Children must also be given regular breaks from mobile and computer usage.
