Delhi-NCR Sees Unusual Surge In ‘Eye Flu’ Cases This Monsoon With Longer Recovery Time

Last Updated:August 14, 2025, 12:11 IST

The top symptoms include redness, continuous watering, sticky yellow or green discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and a gritty, burning sensation.

The spike in eye flu cases comes amid a season marked by erratic monsoon showers interspersed with humid, dusty conditions.

Delhi-NCR is grappling with an unusual and sharp rise in conjunctivitis cases this monsoon, with hospitals reporting that 6–7 out of every 10 outpatients have been affected over the past two weeks. Ophthalmologists say the current strain is more contagious, more inflammatory, and taking longer to heal than in previous years.

The spike comes amid a season marked by erratic monsoon showers interspersed with humid, dusty conditions — an environment that doctors say fuels the spread of eye infections. Heavy rains in parts of Delhi-NCR have been followed by dry spells and construction dust, creating a perfect breeding ground for viral and bacterial pathogens that cause conjunctivitis.

Top symptoms & complaints

According to Dr Rashmi Mittal, senior consultant, ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, the surge is “not the usual seasonal spike." “We are seeing an unprecedented surge in conjunctivitis cases — nearly 6 to 7 out of every 10 patients walking into our OPD these days are suffering from ‘eye flu’. The numbers have risen sharply over the last two weeks, and the infection is spreading very rapidly within families, schools, and offices."

Mittal said the most common symptoms include intense redness, continuous watering, sticky yellow or green discharge, swelling of the eyelids, and a gritty, burning sensation that makes it difficult for patients to even open their eyes comfortably.

Similarly, Dr Col Aditi Dusaj, senior consultant, ophthalmology at New Delhi based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said her clinic is also recording around 5–6 cases daily out of every 10 patients. “Common symptoms include redness of the eyes, excessive tearing, itching, swelling of the eyelids, and a sticky discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. The infection spreads easily through direct contact, sharing personal belongings, or touching contaminated surfaces."

Dr Parul Maheshwari Sharma, head of department, ophthalmology at Fortis Gurgaon echoed similar observations. “We are diagnosing around 2 to 3 patients from conjunctivitis in OPD everyday."

Children hit harder this season

Doctors say children appear to be experiencing more prolonged and severe symptoms this year. Dr Digvijay Singh, Senior Ophthalmologist, Noble Eye Care, told News18, “I am finding more cases in children this season, and their recovery is taking longer. The age group affected is particularly school going children, from 5 years to 15 years bracket."

In children, symptoms include redness, stickiness, light sensitivity, and puffy eyelids. “This year, it is taking around three weeks for many of them to fully recover, compared to one to two weeks last year."

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as the pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva which is a thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid.

Explaining the disease, Dr Vishnu Vahan Prasan, consultant-ophthalmologist, SPARSH Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, said, “It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria or allergens and is highly contagious in infectious forms."

He suggested that early diagnosis and treatment also help to ensure quicker recovery and reduced risk of transmission.

Treatment and precautions

While most cases resolve in 5–7 days with timely treatment, doctors told News18 that this year, it’s taking longer for recovery – about 10 to 14 days. Also, the inflammation is more when compared to previous years. “The difference this year is the longer time to recover. The strain of virus changes every year and we have noticed that people are taking 10 days to two weeks to recover fully. Also, the inflammation in eyes is more this year which takes more time to recover," Sharma from Fortis explained.

Dr Sanjiv Gupta, director and senior eye surgeon at i Care Centre, New Delhi, listed preventive measures. “Conjunctivitis spreads rapidly through direct contact, shared items and even through touch-contaminated surfaces."

Preventive steps such as frequent handwashing, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, and refraining from sharing pillows, towels, or cosmetics are very effective. “Those who are infected should limit their social contacts until the symptoms subside to break the chain of transmission," he said.

Mittal from Amrita Hospital warned that “ignoring symptoms or self-medicating can prolong recovery and, in some instances, lead to complications such as corneal involvement which can temporarily affect vision."

She said her team is treating patients with lubricating and antibiotic eye drops, cold compresses, and strict hygiene protocols, while urging frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, refraining from sharing towels or cosmetics, and isolating if infected.

Also, Dusaj from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute advised wearing sunglasses outdoors to shield the eyes from dust and limiting close contact until full recovery. “Seeking timely medical care ensures faster recovery, prevents secondary infections, and protects long-term eye health," she said.

Himani Chandna

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...Read More

Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass...

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August 14, 2025, 12:11 IST

News india Delhi-NCR Sees Unusual Surge In ‘Eye Flu’ Cases This Monsoon With Longer Recovery Time

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