Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reporting a significant increase in patients with red, itchy, and contagious eye infection conjunctivitis. Eye specialists say this rise is due to environmental factors, lifestyle, and the growing trend of self medication.
Doctors say that most cases are of viral conjunctivitis, followed by allergy-related and bacterial infections. Experts have warned that self diagnosis and use of non prescribed eye drops can worsen the disease, lead to antibiotic resistance, and in some cases cause permanent vision loss.
Dubai’s weather, continuous air conditioning, dust, sand, and excessive screen use are making eyes more sensitive. In shared environments such as schools, offices, and gyms, the infection can spread rapidly, while poor hygiene of contact lenses increases the risk. Doctors have stressed that if symptoms persist for more than 24 to 48 hours, worsen rapidly, or are accompanied by pain, blurred vision, or excessive discharge, a specialist should be consulted immediately.
For prevention, frequent hand washing, avoiding rubbing eyes, not sharing towels or eye drops, and stopping the use of contact lenses during infection are essential. Experts have clarified that this disease spreads through physical contact, and it is a misconception that viral conjunctivitis can spread just by looking at someone.
