Every year, the same pattern plays out across Delhi once the rains set in — one person in a household gets red, watery eyes, and within a few days, half the family or the whole office has it too. At our Lajpat Nagar centre, we see a noticeable jump in conjunctivitis cases through the monsoon months, and August is usually one of the busier stretches.
Most cases are manageable and clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. But conjunctivitis spreads fast, gets mistaken for other conditions, and occasionally masks something more serious that needs medical attention. Here’s what’s actually worth knowing.
What Is Conjunctivitis, Really?
Conjunctivitis — commonly called “eye flu” or “pink eye” — is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer covering the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. When it’s inflamed, blood vessels become more visible, which is what gives the eye that reddish or pink appearance.
There isn’t just one kind. The three you’ll come across most often are:
- Viral conjunctivitis – the most common type during monsoon, usually spreads through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, and often starts in one eye before moving to the other
- Bacterial conjunctivitis – tends to cause thicker, yellow-green discharge and can affect one or both eyes
- Allergic conjunctivitis – not contagious, triggered by pollen, dust, or humidity-linked allergens, and usually comes with itching more than discharge
Knowing which type you’re dealing with matters because the treatment — and how contagious you are — differs quite a bit between them. This is one of the reasons a quick eye check, rather than a guess, is worth the trip.
Why Delhi Sees More Cases During Monsoon
It’s not a coincidence that eye flu cases climb every year around this time. A few things line up during monsoon that make Delhi particularly prone to outbreaks: waterlogging in low-lying areas becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria and viruses behind many eye infections; higher humidity lets those particles survive longer on shared surfaces like door handles and towels; and crowded indoor spaces — offices, schools, public transport — mean more close contact at a time when people are already touching their faces more due to rain and sweat. Delayed treatment adds to it too, since redness often gets written off as rainwater irritation until it’s already spread.
None of this means you’re guaranteed to get it. But it explains why one case in a household or classroom tends to become several within days.
Symptoms to Watch For
Conjunctivitis usually announces itself fairly clearly. Common signs include:
- Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
- Watery or thick discharge, depending on the type
- A gritty, itchy, or burning sensation
- Eyelids that feel swollen or crusted shut, especially after sleep
- Mild sensitivity to light
Symptoms typically start in one eye and can spread to the other within a day or two, particularly if you’re rubbing your eyes or sharing towels and pillows.
What to Do If You Suspect Eye Flu
If your eyes start showing these signs, a few simple habits go a long way in the first 24-48 hours:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after touching your eyes
- Use a clean, soft cloth soaked in cool water to gently wipe away discharge — use a separate cloth for each eye
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the infection has fully cleared
- Stop sharing pillowcases, towels, and eye makeup with others in the house
- Stay home from work or school for the first few days if the discharge is significant, since this is when it spreads most easily
Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
A lot of what slows down recovery isn’t the infection itself — it’s what people do while trying to treat it at home:
- Using leftover eye drops from a previous infection or a family member’s prescription — different infections need different drops, and the wrong one can prolong symptoms or mask a bigger problem
- Applying home remedies like turmeric water, breast milk, or rose water directly into the eye, none of which are proven treatments and can introduce more irritants
- Wearing an eye patch continuously, which traps discharge and creates a warmer, damper environment for bacteria to grow
- Going back to contact lenses too early, before the redness and discharge have fully settled
When to See a Doctor
Most viral conjunctivitis clears up on its own within one to two weeks with basic hygiene and supportive care. But a few signs mean it’s time to stop waiting and get seen:
- Pain in the eye, rather than just irritation
- Sensitivity to light that’s significant, not mild
- Any change in vision — blurring, difficulty focusing
- Symptoms that haven’t improved after a week
- Thick discharge that keeps recurring through the day
- A newborn or infant showing any of these symptoms
These can sometimes point to a more serious infection or a condition affecting the cornea rather than just the conjunctiva, and that distinction really does need a proper eye exam to make.
How We Treat Conjunctivitis at iClinix
Treatment depends entirely on which type of conjunctivitis you have, which is why we start with an examination rather than a prescription over the phone. Depending on the diagnosis:
- Viral cases are usually managed with lubricating drops and supportive care while the infection runs its course, since antibiotics don’t work against viruses
- Bacterial cases are treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed after examination
- Allergic cases respond to anti-allergy drops and identifying what’s triggering the reaction
Our team at iClinix Lajpat Nagar sees monsoon eye infections regularly at this time of year, and a same-day consultation is usually enough to get you on the right treatment and back to normal within days rather than weeks.
Prevention Tips for the Rest of the Season
If eye flu is going around your home, office, or your child’s school, a few precautions cut down your risk significantly:
- Carry hand sanitiser and use it before touching your face, especially after commuting or using shared spaces
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, particularly with unwashed hands
- Don’t share towels, handkerchiefs, or eye cosmetics with anyone
- Keep an infected person’s pillow and towel separate until they’ve recovered
- Wipe down frequently-touched surfaces like door handles if there’s an active case at home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is conjunctivitis dangerous?
Usually not — it resolves on its own within one to two weeks. It’s worth a check-up only when there’s pain, vision changes, or no improvement within that window.
How long is conjunctivitis contagious?
Viral conjunctivitis is typically contagious for 7-10 days, as long as the eye is watering and red. Bacterial conjunctivitis usually stops being contagious about 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
Can I go to work or school with eye flu?
It’s best to stay home for the first few days while discharge and redness are at their worst — for your own recovery and to avoid spreading it further.
Do I need antibiotics for conjunctivitis?
Only for bacterial cases. Viral and allergic conjunctivitis need a different approach entirely, which is why a diagnosis matters before starting any drops.
Can babies get conjunctivitis?
Yes, and it should always be checked by a doctor rather than treated at home, since infants are more vulnerable to complications.
Book a Consultation at iClinix Lajpat Nagar
If your eyes have been red, watery, or irritated for more than a day or two, it’s worth getting checked rather than waiting it out. Our team at Lajpat Nagar can usually see you the same day.