Asia's eye health challenge: unravelling the spread and solutions for conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis remains one of the most common ocular conditions affecting paediatric and adult populations globally. South and Southeast Asia have experienced unprecedented seasonal surges in conjunctivitis cases, with tens of thousands of cases occurring over short periods, particularly during monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons.

Conjunctivitis is classified into infectious causes (viral, bacterial, and chlamydial) and non-infectious causes (allergic, toxic, cicatricial, and immune-mediated). Viral conjunctivitis accounts for the majority of cases. Adenovirus's ability to survive on fomites for weeks, combined with pre-symptomatic shedding and low infectious dose, facilitates rapid community spread in overcrowded, poorly sanitized environments.

Diagnosis requires aetiology-guided differentiation based on discharge patterns, associated symptoms, and lymph-node findings. Most viral cases are self-limiting and managed supportively. Antibiotic stewardship is critical for bacterial infections, while allergic conjunctivitis requires allergen avoidance and targeted pharmacotherapy. Contact-lens wearers demand careful evaluation for corneal involvement.

Effective outbreak control requires multifaceted interventions: rigorous hand hygiene, school-based screening,coordinated community awareness campaigns, and systematic surveillance. Preventing unnecessary antibiotic and corticosteroid use reduces complications and antimicrobial resistance.

Structured, evidence-based prevention coupled with judicious clinical management offer the most effective means of reducing transmission and complications across vulnerable populations.