Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
With Delhi reporting nearly 2,500 confirmed H1N1 cases this year and around 650 other influenza cases, reported flu infections have crossed 3,000. The actual burden is likely to be higher, with influenza-like illness affecting families across Delhi-NCR and several other cities.
While H1N1 primarily affects the respiratory system, doctors say the inflammation triggered by the virus can occasionally involve the eyes.
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Most eye-related complications are mild and resolve with appropriate care. However, in rare cases, inflammation can affect deeper structures of the eye and potentially threaten vision. This makes it important to recognise symptoms that go beyond routine eye irritation or conjunctivitis.
COMMON EYE SYMPTOMS
The most frequently reported eye complication is viral conjunctivitis, which can cause redness, watering, burning, irritation and swelling of the eyelids.
“Doctors say that the inflammation triggered by the virus may extend to the eyes. While the most common eye problem is conjunctivitis, which leads to symptoms of redness, water discharge, burning, irritation and swelling of the eyelids,” said Dr Srikanth Ramasubramanian, paediatric ophthalmologist, squint & cataract surgeon with Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, Chennai.
Viral conjunctivitis may also cause mild discharge and sensitivity to light. A bright-red patch on the white of the eye, known as a subconjunctival haemorrhage, can sometimes develop after severe coughing or vomiting.
Most such symptoms are self-limiting. However, influenza-related inflammation can rarely involve deeper structures, including the uvea, retina or optic nerve, underlined Dr Sfurti Maan internal medicine specialist with Shalby International Hospital.
These complications may present as uveitis, retinitis or optic neuritis.
KNOW THE RED FLAGS
The key concern is distinguishing ordinary eye irritation from symptoms that could indicate deeper inflammation.
“If someone has influenza and develops persistent blurred vision, severe eye pain, marked sensitivity to light or a sudden drop in vision, that should not be treated as routine conjunctivitis. These symptoms need an eye examination,” Dr Maan said.
Other warning signs include new floaters, flashes of light, dark spots in the field of vision, reduced colour perception, double vision or pain while moving the eyes. Any sudden or persistent change in vision during or after influenza warrants prompt ophthalmic assessment rather than waiting for the infection to settle.
There is no specific group proven to be more susceptible to H1N1-related eye involvement. However, people with weakened immunity, diabetes or pre-existing eye conditions, as well as those who develop severe influenza, should be particularly watchful.
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic heart or lung disease are also at greater risk of severe influenza overall, although this does not necessarily mean they will develop eye complications.
PREVENTION MEASURES
Preventing influenza transmission remains the best way to reduce the risk of complications. Annual flu vaccination, regular hand hygiene, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact when unwell and staying home during illness can all help limit spread, stressed Dr Kaushik Pillapakkam Bahukutumbi, ophthalmologist with Vasan Eye Care.
Those with eye symptoms should avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, especially with unwashed hands. Towels, tissues, pillows and eye-care products should not be shared. Contact lenses should also be avoided while the eyes are red or itchy.
“It is important not to panic just because H1N1 can affect the eyes. Serious ocular complications are very rare. The important thing is to recognise the warning signs,” Dr Maan said.
Doctors also caution against self-medication, particularly the use of steroid eye drops without an examination, as these can worsen some eye infections or mask important symptoms.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
