Over recent months, Da Nang has seen a high number of conjunctivitis cases, otherwise known as pinkeye, with an average of between 40 and 50 people reported to be suffering every week.

According to the latest statistics released by the city’s Eye Hospital, 68 cases of conjunctivitis were recorded in the city in July, 209 in September, and about 400 in October.  Then, since early November, there have been another 150 cases.  40% of the  total pinkeye patients receiving treatment at the hospital are from outside the city. 

A woman having an eye examination

The Dean of the hospital’s Ophthalmology Department, Dr Nguyen Van Khoi, said that although conjunctivitis is usually benign and easily treated, treating this disease without a doctor’s instructions can cause serious damage to the patients’ eyes.  He added that many patients with pinkeye often go to pharmacies to purchase eye drops to treat themselves.  Eye drops which contain corticosteroid can result in complications such as corneal ulcers and blurred vision.

Dr Khoi advised that pinkeye-infected people should wash their eyes with saline eye drops, try not to rub their eyes, and ensure good personal hygiene as well as be aware of contact with other people to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.