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The advent of monsoon brings respite from the heat, but it also brings a season of challenges for your eyes, where the humidity along with the moist environment can lead to a rise in eye diseases. From annoying conjunctivitis to potentially serious corneal ulcers, monsoon can pose significant threats to your eye health.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Palak Makwana, Consultant, Sankara Eye Hospital, Hyderabad, explained, “Conjunctivitis, often referred to as “pink eye”, is the inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer of tissue lining the inner surface of the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye. A stye is a painful red lump on the edge of your eyelid, resembling an acne pimple, caused by a bacterial infection when a small oil-producing gland in your eyelash follicle or eyelid skin becomes blocked.”
He added, “Dry eyes occur when you are unable to make enough liquid tears, known as aqueous humor; this condition, medically called kerato-conjunctivitis, can be caused by poor blinking habits while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time, as well as dry, indoor environments. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea, caused primarily by infection. Symptoms include a red, watery, and bloodshot eye; severe eye pain; and pus or other eye discharge. A corneal ulcer can lead to vision loss and blindness and is considered a medical emergency.”
Here is a summary of the common eye problems that occur during monsoon:
- Conjunctivitis: Often called pink eye, this inflammation of the conjunctiva can cause redness, itching, and a scratchy sensation.
- Style: A painful red lump on the eyelid, caused by a blocked oil gland.
- Dry eyes: Decreased tear production due to air conditioning and excessive screen time can cause discomfort and blurred vision.
- corneal ulcer: A serious infection of the cornea, causing severe pain, redness, and blurred vision.
PROTECT YOUR EYES:
Dr Palak Makwana advises, “To take care of your eyes during monsoon, avoid rubbing them, as this can introduce harmful bacteria or viruses. Always use clean, filtered water to wash your face and eyes to avoid infections. Humidity and stagnant water can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, causing eye-related diseases like dengue fever or malaria. Make sure the water does not stagnate and use mosquito repellent. Avoid sharing personal hygiene items like handkerchiefs and towels to prevent the transmission of infectious bacteria and viruses.”
If you wear contact lenses, Dr. Palak Makwana suggests, “Maintain strict hygiene by following proper cleaning and disinfection techniques. Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or in highly humid conditions. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for good eye health, so include foods like carrots, spinach, citrus fruits, almonds and fish in your diet and stay hydrated by drinking enough water. It is important to get regular eye checkups, especially during monsoons, so that any underlying problem can be detected and appropriate treatment can be given. If you feel any discomfort, redness, itching or any change in vision, consult an eye specialist immediately.”
To summarise, you may consider the following tips to protect your vision during monsoon –
- Cleanliness first: Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Use clean, filtered water to wash your face.
- Combat germs: Take care of cleanliness, especially in humid areas. Use mosquito repellents to avoid insect-borne diseases.
- personal Care: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and handkerchiefs.
- Contact Lens Precautions: Follow strict hygiene practices for contact lenses. Consider removing them during heavy rain or storms.
- Nourish your eyes: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals for best eye health.
- Routine eye check-ups: Get your eyes tested regularly to detect any problems early.
By following these simple guidelines, we can keep our eyes healthy and bright during monsoon. Prevention is always better than cure and hence, timely detection and treatment is very important to maintain good eye health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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