Karachi has been hit by an outbreak of eye infection, with the number of patients increasing rapidly. Public and private hospitals are receiving dozens of patients daily with symptoms such as eye redness, pain, and swelling.
Medical experts say that humidity in the air, poor sanitation, and adenovirus are the main causes behind the rapid spread of this outbreak.
According to details, cases of Red Eye infection have significantly increased in Karachi. Dozens of patients are reporting daily at public and private hospitals with symptoms including redness, pain, swelling, sensitivity to light, and watery eyes.
Experts noted that the rainy season, high humidity in the air, and poor sanitation have fueled the fast spread of adenovirus. Patients with mild infections recover within about a week with cold compress, while moderate and severe cases may last 15 to 20 days. In some severe cases, complaints like light sensitivity and blurred vision can persist for up to two months, which is why affected individuals are advised to consult an eye specialist immediately.
Head of Ophthalmology at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, Professor Israr Ahmed Bhutto, stated that due to rains and increased humidity, cases of Ping Eye or Red Eye infection have risen. Poor hygiene and close contact in crowded places are causing this infection to spread from one person to another. Often, people rub their infected eye and then shake hands with others, spreading the infection. Sometimes, one eye gets infected first, and due to lack of care, the other eye is also affected.
Professor Israr further said that before the rains, such cases were almost not seen at Jinnah Hospital, but now 15 to 20 patients are being reported daily. Some patients have mild, some moderate, and some severe symptoms. This infection is mostly caused by adenovirus. Initially, it feels like something is pricking the eye, then the tiny capillaries swell and the white part of the eye turns red or pink.
Symptoms include itching, pain, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. In mild cases, cold compress with clean water is sufficient, while in moderate and severe infections, artificial tear drops are recommended. These drops are similar to natural tears and have no side effects. In severe cases, sometimes the cornea is affected, causing blurred vision, light sensitivity, and severe pain. Moderate and severe infections usually resolve in 15 to 20 days. Red Eye also gets better in 20 days, but blurred vision and light sensitivity may last one to two months.
He added that people often use steroid drops like Betnasol on their own, which provide temporary relief but can cause long-term damage. Some also use rose water, but its purity is uncertain. It is safer to use artificial tears. Patients should wear sunglasses when light sensitivity occurs, avoid rubbing the eyes, wash hands after touching the infected eye, and keep their pillow and towel separate.
According to Dr. Khalida, an eye specialist at Civil Hospital Karachi, 10 to 12 patients of Red Eye infection are being reported daily, belonging to areas including Quaidabad, Keamari, Baldia Town, and Liaquatabad. Doctors at private clinics have also confirmed that cases of Red Eye infection are increasing.
