Pune has witnessed a noticeable rise in conjunctivitis cases over the past two to three weeks, with ophthalmologists attributing the increase to changing weather conditions, close contact in crowded places and inadequate hand hygiene. Doctors have advised people to avoid self-medication and seek timely medical attention, particularly if symptoms worsen or vision is affected.

Dr Aditya Kelkar, ophthalmologist and medical director of the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), Pune, told Mid-day that the hospital had been seeing approximately three to four patient visits for conjunctivitis daily in recent weeks.