This monsoon, my four-year-old son contracted conjunctivitis several times. What can I do to prevent it?

— Preeti Sachdeva

Dr Satish Mehta, Consultant, Ophthalmology, Moolchand Medcity, says:

Conjunctivitis is a communicable disease and spreads mostly during summer and the rainy season. It is basically an inflammation — redness and swelling of the thin protective membrane of eye — and can be caused due to any kind of viral or bacterial infection, chemical reaction, dust allergy, etc. To get some relief when you have already caught the infection and to prevent it from spreading, follow some basic rules.

Discontinue contact lenses immediately. Do not share handkerchiefs, towels and other toiletries with the infected person. Avoid close contact with people suffering from conjunctivitis (casual interaction does not lead to spread of infection). Wash your hands immediately after taking care of a family member suffering from conjunctivitis. Wash your hands after shaking hand with a person suffering from conjunctivitis. Avoid swimming if you have conjunctivitis. Avoid exposure to dust pollution, chemicals, fumes and bright sunlight. Use sunglasses and avoid crowded places.

In case of continuous redness in the eye, is it advisable to take some ayurvedic drops or is it absolutely necessary to consult an eye specialist?

— Aman Mehra

Dr Mehta says:

Self-medication should be avoided as far as possible and in no case should you use steroid eye drops without proper medical advice. Anti-biotic drugs, however, can be taken in emergency. Ideally one should consult an eye specialist. But if medical help is not immediately available during an emergency, it may help to wash the eye gently with clean water, use some cold compresses, and mild antibiotic drops.