Say BMC officials, claiming that special glasses used at theatres to enjoy special effects could cause conjunctivitis
Say BMC officials, claiming that special glasses used at theatres to enjoy special effects could cause conjunctivitis
For those of you who have been struck with conjunctivitis this season, here is the BMC's medical advice for you: stop watching 3D movies.
At the standing committee meeting held last Wednesday, BMC officials attributed the 'soreness' experienced by patients to the use of 3D glasses at movie theatres.
The BMC plans to issue notices to theatres and multiplexes asking them to stop circulation of 3D glasses among movie-goers to stem the spread of conjunctivitis
Rajul Patel, corporator and chairperson of BMC's health committee said, "People have been complaining of soreness in their eyes. Every day about two patients come in with the same complaint, to the municipal hospitals."
Needless to say, this 'soreness' that Patel spoke about is cured within eight to twelve days, spreads easily among people, and has every other symptom associated with conjunctivitis.
Additional Municipal Commissioner (Health) Manisha Mhaiskar said, "There has been a sporadic increase in conjunctivitis cases, but not a discernible one. Citizens should take precautions.
"In some of the cases, the spread of the contagious disease was traced to the use of 3D glasses in theatres."
She urged movie-goers to purchase their own 3D glasses, instead of using the ones circulated on mass-basis at multiplexes.
BMC's standing committee chairperson Rahul Shewale said, "We would be issuing notices to theatres and multiplexes in the city to refrain from circulating 3D glasses at movie halls. We will also appeal to the citizens."
No eyewash!
As incredulous as it sounds, there is a strand of reason in the BMC's theory. These 3D glasses are, in fact, distributed at the beginning of the movie to viewers, and collected at the end of the show, after which they are distributed again to a new set of audience.
If someone afflicted with the condition dons these glasses, he or she may leave behind traces of eye discharge, which in turn may infect the next person who dons them.
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"We have already sent a mandate to the theatres to use either disposable glasses, or sterilise them after each and every use. This could limit the spread of the disease," said Mhaiskar.
Safety measures
1. Avoid contact with a person who has conjunctivitis.
2. Wash your eyes daily and keep a handkerchief handy.
3. If your eyes appear red or itchy, consult a doctor immediately.
4. Use spectacles if you have conjunctivitis.
5. Don't send your kids to school if they have conjunctivitis.
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