Experts Warn as Eye Disease Spreads Rapidly. Health experts in the United Arab Emirates have issued a serious warning as cases of conjunctivitis continue to rise across the country. Hospitals and clinics are reporting a noticeable increase in patients suffering from red, itchy, and irritated eyes, raising concerns among medical professionals about the rapid spread of the eye infection.
Doctors say the condition is highly contagious and is spreading quickly in public and shared spaces. The surge in cases has been linked to environmental factors, daily lifestyle habits, and the increasing trend of self-medication without proper medical advice.
Hospitals Report Sharp Rise in Conjunctivitis Cases
According to healthcare providers, hospitals across the UAE are witnessing a steady influx of patients complaining of eye redness, discomfort, itching, and discharge. Eye specialists have confirmed that conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is currently one of the most frequently reported eye conditions.
Medical professionals stress that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as ignoring symptoms can worsen the infection and increase the risk of complications.
Viral Conjunctivitis Most Common Among Patients
Doctors have revealed that viral conjunctivitis accounts for the majority of reported cases, followed by allergic and bacterial forms of the infection. Viral conjunctivitis spreads easily through contact with contaminated hands, surfaces, and shared personal items.
Specialists have expressed concern that many patients attempt to diagnose themselves and use non-prescribed eye drops, which often leads to delayed recovery and, in some cases, serious eye damage.
Risks of Self-Medication and Incorrect Treatment
Eye specialists strongly warn against self-treatment, particularly the use of antibiotic eye drops without medical guidance. Improper use of medication can not only worsen the infection but also contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
In severe cases, doctors say misuse of eye medication may result in long-term vision problems or permanent damage, highlighting the importance of professional medical consultation.
Environmental and Climate Factors Fueling the Spread
Experts point out that climate-related conditions in the UAE are playing a significant role in the spread of conjunctivitis. Constant exposure to air conditioning, dust, sand, and dry air can weaken the eye’s natural protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to infection.
Additionally, prolonged screen time on mobile phones, computers, and tablets is increasing eye strain and sensitivity, further contributing to eye irritation and susceptibility to infection.
Shared Spaces Increase Risk of Infection
Doctors warn that conjunctivitis spreads rapidly in shared environments such as schools, offices, gyms, and public transport. In such settings, close contact and shared surfaces allow the infection to pass quickly from person to person.
Poor contact lens hygiene has also been identified as a major risk factor. Specialists advise that contact lens users should be especially cautious, as improper cleaning or wearing lenses during infection can significantly worsen the condition.
Early Symptoms Often Ignored by Patients
Medical experts note that many people tend to ignore the early signs of conjunctivitis, mistaking them for minor irritation or screen fatigue. Common early symptoms include mild redness, a gritty or burning sensation, watery or yellow discharge, sensitivity to light, and slight swelling of the eyelids.
Doctors stress that dismissing these warning signs can delay treatment and allow the infection to spread further.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Healthcare professionals strongly advise seeking medical help if symptoms persist beyond 24 to 48 hours, worsen rapidly, or are accompanied by pain, blurred vision, or heavy discharge. Early medical consultation can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Prompt diagnosis also ensures that patients receive the correct treatment based on whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature.
Simple Preventive Measures Can Make a Big Difference
Doctors emphasize that preventing conjunctivitis is simple but requires consistency. Recommended preventive measures include frequent handwashing, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, not sharing towels or pillows, and never sharing eye drops or cosmetics.
Patients are also advised to stop using contact lenses immediately if symptoms appear and resume use only after full recovery and medical approval.
Experts Debunk Common Myths About Conjunctivitis
Medical experts have also addressed common misconceptions surrounding conjunctivitis. They clarified that the infection does not spread by merely looking at an infected person. Instead, conjunctivitis spreads through physical contact, contaminated surfaces, and shared personal items.
Raising public awareness about these facts is essential to prevent unnecessary panic and misinformation.
Conclusion
The growing number of conjunctivitis cases across the UAE has prompted health experts to urge the public to remain cautious and proactive. Environmental conditions, lifestyle habits, and delayed medical attention are all contributing to the spread of the infection.
