Red, sticky eyes in the monsoon: what to do

Every year, when the northeast monsoon brings rain to Madurai in October and November, our out-patient hall fills with people who have red, watery, sticky eyes. Most have conjunctivitis, often called Madras eye, an inflammation of the thin layer that covers the white of the eye. It spreads easily in homes, schools and offices.

The common signs are redness, a gritty feeling, watering, a sticky discharge that glues the lashes in the morning and sometimes swollen eyelids. It often starts in one eye and moves to the other within a day or two. Similar symptoms can also come from allergy, a foreign body in the eye or more serious conditions, which is why an examination is worthwhile rather than guessing.

Come to us, without waiting for a token, if you have eye pain, blurred vision that does not clear when you blink, sensitivity to light, an injury, or if a newborn or contact lens wearer is affected. Do not use leftover drops from a previous illness, steroid drops bought over the counter or home remedies such as breast milk or rose water in the eye. Some drops sold without a prescription can cause harm when used without an examination.

To limit the spread at home, wash hands often with soap, keep a separate towel and pillow cover for the person affected, avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, and do not share kajal or eye makeup. Keep children with sticky eyes home from school until the discharge stops, and follow the doctor’s advice on drops.