In short: Conjunctivitis, often called “eye flu” or “pink eye”, becomes noticeably more common during Mumbai’s monsoon. Most cases are mild and settle on their own, but some need treatment, and a few signal something more serious. Knowing the difference — and avoiding common mistakes such as self-medicating with steroid drops — protects your vision.
What is conjunctivitis?
The conjunctiva is the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. When it becomes inflamed, the eye turns red or pink, feels gritty or itchy, and may water or produce discharge. It is commonly caused by a virus, a bacterial infection, or an allergy, and each type behaves a little differently.
Why does it spike during the monsoon?
Humidity, damp surroundings and crowded public transport make it easier for infections to spread. Touching a contaminated railing, seat or towel and then rubbing your eyes is one of the most common routes. Dirty water splashes, dust, and a higher burden of airborne allergens during the rains can also trigger eye irritation.
Common symptoms to watch for
- Redness or a pink tinge in one or both eyes
- Watering, or a sticky discharge that makes the lids stick together after sleep
- A gritty, burning or itchy sensation
- Swollen eyelids and mild sensitivity to light
How to reduce your risk
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.
- Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, eye make-up or spectacles.
- Keep your face and glasses clean, and change pillow covers and towels regularly.
- Avoid rinsing your eyes with tap or flood water; use boiled-and-cooled clean water or a sterile eye wash if needed.
- Contact lens wearers should follow strict hygiene, avoid wearing lenses in the rain or swimming, and switch to spectacles at the first sign of redness. See our guide to contact lens care and our contact lens service.
- If someone at home has red eyes, give them their own towel and wash hands after helping them.
What should you do if you get it?
Avoid touching the eyes, wash hands frequently, use only clean tissues, and stay home from work or school if your doctor advises it, since viral and bacterial forms are contagious. Cold compresses can ease discomfort. Please do not use leftover or over-the-counter eye drops — especially steroid-containing drops — without an eye doctor’s advice, because the wrong drop can make some infections, including certain corneal infections, considerably worse.
When should you see an eye doctor?
Book an examination promptly if you notice any of the following: significant eye pain, marked sensitivity to light, blurred or reduced vision, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye, symptoms after an eye injury, redness in a contact lens wearer, or no improvement within a few days. Infections that involve the cornea can threaten vision and are best assessed early; see our cornea care page for how corneal conditions are managed at Trivision.
Need an eye check?
If your eyes have been red or irritated and you are unsure what is behind it, book a consultation at Trivision Eye Hospital, Linking Road, Bandra West. This article is general information and does not replace an examination.