- Spreading of conjunctivitis can be prevented by using goggles/dark glasses
* Fact – conjunctivitis doesn’t spread by staring at infected eyes. It only spreads through contact with the secretions of infected eyes
* It can also spread through the droplets of coughs and sneezes of people having the flu. Always cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing and frequently wash or sanitize your hands.
- Application of lime/“chuna” on the head or corner of eyes will help cure the infection
* Fact – lime can accidentally enter the eye and cause alkali burns to the eye, which is very harmful, especially in babies.
- Tying jute string around the wrist can ward off ‘pink eye’ or ‘eye flu’
* Fact – While traditional beliefs are respected, tying of any thread or jute string around the wrist will not stop a person from getting conjunctivitis. It spreads through close contact with an infected person.
- Traditional eye medicines can cure conjunctivitis
* Fact – certain herbs or traditional medicines, which many patients use, like broomstick water, betel leaf juice, betel leaf stem, etc can cause severe damage to the eyes.
- Red eyes can only mean conjunctivitis
* Fact – red eyes can happen due to many more serious diseases. It’s always better to consult your nearest ophthalmologist to be sure of the diagnosis and for timely management.
