Dr. Piyush Jain

A red eye is one of the first and most common symptoms of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inner side of the eyelid. It is usually the result of a viral infection and can easily spread from one person to another. Conjunctivitis can also be a symptom of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. In newborns, conjunctivitis can be vision threatening, while in grownups it is not considered a serious health risk. The symptoms of conjunctivitis differ according to the cause of the infection. 

Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis are:

1. Green or white discharge from the eye
2. Redness of the white part of the eye
3. Inflammation of the eyelid
4. Waking up to crusted yellow discharge
5. Itchiness and burning in the eyes
6. Increased sensitivity to light
7. Blurred vision

An eye examination and testing a sample of the fluid secreted by the eye can be used to diagnose conjunctivitis.  It can easily be treated at home and does not require hospitalization. Antibiotics are often given in the form of eye drops and ointments to treat conjunctivitis. These usually need to be applied 3 to 4 times a day for a period of 5 to 6 days. Wash your eyes before putting the eye drops. Once applied, close your eyes and roll the eyeball around to distribute the medicine and keep it from overflowing out of the eye. Wash your hands immediately after applying the eye drops.

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious. If you are suffering from it, you should take a few days off work and restrict your social interactions. Wash your hands frequently as you may unconsciously rub your eyes. This is especially important with regards to meals and finger foods. Also, avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, etc. to minimize the transmission of the disease from one person to another.  

Avoid using makeup while being treated for conjunctivitis. With conjunctivitis, the eye is more sensitive to irritants and thus, a speck of makeup can worsen the situation. Also avoid contacts. If you wear contacts regularly, dispose the current set and start using a fresh set after your doctor gives you a clean chit. 
Artificial tears or non prescription eye drops can also be used to relieve the itchiness and burning in the infected eye. If only one eye had been affected by conjunctivitis, do not use the same eye drop bottle for both eyes. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ophthalmologist.

There has been an intense debate, which is in the loop for years and has been raging back and forth regarding the deficiencies of a vegetarian diet versus the perils of a non-vegetarian one. This heated debate is both accurate as well as unfounded. Probably, that’s the entire reason it is still a debate. In fact, if you look into the diet of both groups, you will be able to identify the fact that, there is a space for healthy living in both.

Vegetarian Diet

In a vegetarian diet, the food intake of a person is confined to a large variety of foods derived from plants along with milk and dairy. And, any form of meat and products derived from animals are completely avoided.

Pros

• Vegetarians have been noted to consume lesser amount of proteins, but they do not suffer from problems related to a high protein diet, such as osteoporosis (characterized by brittle and weak bones) and kidney failure.
• The diet includes high level of antioxidants such as vitamin E & C as well as carotene, which is available in vegetables and fruits.
• Additionally, they consume less amount of saturated fats.

Cons

• Deficiency of vitamin B12 is common amongst vegetarians, as it is mainly available in meat, eggs and fish. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can yield rare symptoms such as increased fatigue, shortness of breath and a temporary loss of body balance.
• Lack of protein, as stated above, along with iron and zinc deficiency is also common. 

Symptoms of protein deficiency can be troublesome and include signs like

1. Sluggish metabolism
2. Loss of body muscles (as the body tries to derive the regular protein intake from your muscles, thus making them weak),
3. Trouble gaining or losing weight
4. Persistent fatigue
5. Longer healing time in case of wounds and injuries
6. Pain in joints
7. Drastic changes in blood sugar level that might result in diabetes
8. A weak immune system makes you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases.

Non-vegetarian Diet

A non-vegetarian diet includes all forms of plant foods as well as foods and by-products that are derived from animals, such as poultry, fish, meat, etc.

Pros 

• Vitamin B12 is present in adequate level since they are derived from sources such as meat, eggs and fish. Adequate intake of proteins is never an issue for  non-vegetarians

Cons

1. Meat products are loaded with saturated fats, which increase the risk of heart diseases. Studies have shown that people consuming non-vegetarian diets:
   • Have shorter lifespan and are more vulnerable to chronic diseases.
   • Tend to develop diabetes, heart diseases and hypertension.
2. Usually non vegetarians eat less amount of vegetables and fruits than what is recommended.  

If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dietitian/Nutritionist.