Expert: Every pink eye is not conjunctivitis, it could be uveitis

NAGPUR: As the temperatures started soaring mid-March, the number of cases of redness in the eye along with itching increased among citizens, especially children. As a layman, many termed it as conjunctivitis.
However, every case of redness of eyes is not conjunctivitis. Sometimes, it could be uveitis, inflammation inside eye, said Bengaluru’s Dr Padmamalini M, who is vice-president of Uveitis Society of India.

Dr Padmamalini explained this type of inflammation, which is treatable, yet neglected in the field of ophthalmology.
“The uvea is the middle layer of the eye between the white part and the retina. Uveitis means immune system is fighting an eye infection. It can also happen when immune system attacks healthy tissues in eyes,” said Dr Padmamalini.
Uveitis can cause problems like pain and redness in eye, which is quite similar to the conjunctivitis.
“People get over-the-counter medicines for conjunctivitis without consulting a doctor. But these drops are hardly effective in uveitis. Majority of such eye drops have steroid content which could be dangerous in many ways. So, better avoid self-medication and consult doctor if you have symptoms,” she suggested. According to Dr Padmamalini, the cases of uveitis have increased post-Covid.
Dr Padmamalini was in Nagpur to attend installation ceremony of Ophthalmological Society Nagpur (OSN). Dr Nikita Vyawahare took over as president of OSN while Dr Pallak Kusumgar Shah as honorary secretary. This year, the theme of OSN is ‘Motivate, Educate, Innovate’.
“Uveitis can be a sign of some other infection prevailing in the body. It could be TB, HIV or some viral infection. Your eye specialist can detect it through simple examination and recommend a specialists for the treatment,” said Dr Vyawahare terming uveitis as a window of infections in body.
The OSN is going to organize several public-centric events throughout 2023 to create awareness about regular eye check-up camps for the citizens. “Regular eye examination is recommended for all age groups nowadays with increased screen-time. Majority of eye problems, including uveitis, are fully treatable and early detection can save vision,” said Dr Shah.