Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” has spread rapidly across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with flood-affected areas being hit the hardest. According to the provincial health department, over 22,863 cases were reported in August alone.
What is Pink Eye?
Pink eye is the inflammation of the thin, clear membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eye. It’s most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, though allergens or irritants can also trigger it.
It may affect one or both eyes.
It can be acute (lasting less than 4 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 4 weeks).
Pink eye is highly contagious when caused by an infection, and it can easily spread from person to person—or even from one eye to the other.
Common symptoms
People with conjunctivitis may experience:
- Redness in one or both eyes
- Thick discharge (yellow, green, or white)
- Crusting on the eyelids or lashes
- A gritty feeling (like something’s in the eye)
- Dry, watery, or itchy eyes
- Burning sensation
- Blurry vision (may come and go)
- Light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
- Mild eye pain
How is conjunctivitis treated?
Most cases of pink eye are mild and can be managed at home. Treatment depends on the cause but may include:
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
- Corticosteroid eye drops (prescribed by a doctor)
- Warm or cool compresses (use a clean cloth; avoid sharing towels)
- Artificial tears to soothe irritation
- Wearing glasses instead of contact lenses until symptoms resolve
If the conjunctivitis is caused by an irritant (e.g., dust, smoke), rinse the eye thoroughly with warm water for several minutes. In case of exposure to strong chemicals (like acid or drain cleaner), flush the eye immediately and seek emergency medical care.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pink eye, especially in an area with high case numbers, it’s important to avoid contact with others, practice good hygiene, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
