Conjunctivitis Treatment in India

Karan Smith, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Karan Smith, a 28-year-old software engineer, was in the final week of a crucial project launch. Living alone and working long hours, he noticed his left eye becoming increasingly red, itchy, and producing a sticky discharge. He initially dismissed it as fatigue from screen time. Within two days, his right eye became affected, and the itching intensified, making it difficult to concentrate. Worried about missing his deadline and spreading it to his colleagues, he visited an Internal Medicine clinic. The doctor, after a brief examination, diagnosed him with viral conjunctivitis, likely picked up in his crowded office. She explained it was highly contagious but would resolve on its own. The recommendation was supportive care: frequent hand washing, using clean towels, applying cool compresses for comfort, and using preservative-free artificial tears. She strongly advised against the over-the-counter redness-relief drops he was considering. Karan felt frustrated but relieved to have a plan. He worked from home for three days, diligently following the hygiene advice. The redness and discharge began to clear within a week. Emotionally, he shifted from anxiety about his work and contagion to feeling in control. The experience taught him to prioritize his health and recognize the importance of containing illness, leaving him more empathetic towards sick colleagues in the future.