Eye problems during summer and monsoon season and eye care tips

Eye Problems During Summer And Monsoon Season

The eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. We rely on our eyes to make the sense of the beautiful world around us, but the high heat and humidity present in the environment during summer and monsoon can be trouble causing for our eyes. The humidity level has now increased to a higher level. Therefore, while going out, we should keep in mind that the harmful rays, heat, and rainwater which directly come in contact with our eyes could cause several eye problems.  We should take care of our eye from these infections with proper care and knowledge.

The eyes are prone to infection if proper eye protection is not taken from the sun and rain. Moreover, during the rainy season, the number of cases of stye and conjunctivitis substantially increases as these are infections that take place due to the rain and humidity.

Common Eye Problems In Summer And Monsoon

Dry Eyes

During the summer when we are frustrated with the heat, the most effective solution we have to make ourselves comfortable is the air-conditioner. However, the AC changes the room temperature and dehumidifies the room that may cause dry eyes. These air conditioners whether in the car, room or office are very much responsible for dry eyes also known as Dry eye syndrome. Due to dehumidification the air becomes dry and causes the evaporation of the watery layer of the tear film.

The sunlight has ultraviolet rays, and these rays can accelerate the formation of cataracts in the summers and it also intensifies the problem of dry eyes. Thus, leaves our eyes less lubricated and prone to infections. Dry eyes can cause severe complications in the future if not treated at right time. A patient with dry eyes is prescribed eye drops for instant relief.

Symptoms of dry eyes

• Feeling of grittiness
• Irritation in the eyes
• Pain
• Redness in the eyes
• Watery eyes

Various other factors can cause dry eyes and these are Diabetes, Thyroid, Vitamin A Deficiency, and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tear Gland Damage, etc. The reason for the dry eyes could be anything stated above. But one thing is scientifically proven that the weather condition intensifies the problem of the dry eye syndrome. The diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes need to be done before it gets serious. Complications of dry eyes are that the patient could develop corneal surface disorder such as abrasion, corneal ulcer, and other severe eye problems. It could have a severe impact on the daily activities of the patient. A person with dry eye syndrome should not use digital screens for a long period.

Conjunctivitis

 Conjunctivitis is communicable, thus it transfers from one person to another. This infection condition is caused due to virus bacteria or Chlamydia. Weather is also an important factor that can cause conjunctivitis. The causes of this condition could be using expired eye cosmetics, contact lens cleaning solutions, bleach in the swimming pools, etc. Conjunctivitis is communicable and transfers from one person to another by direct or indirect touch.

To avoid the infection one must not use the shared towel, napkins, and handkerchiefs. We should also avoid the use of the same pillows. The eyes during this condition become red and watery and could easily be treated if proper treatment is taken on time. Conjunctivitis could be stopped from spreading just by maintaining personal hygiene and washing hands at regular intervals.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis

• Red eyes
• Excessive watery eyes
• Eye boogers during the night especially
• Itchiness or even little pain in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light.

Stye

A stye is a little bump on the eyelid. This condition is caused when the oil glands on the surface of the eyelids are blocked by some bacteria. This causes the swelling of the infected portion and redness in the eyelid. The simplest technique to avoid this eye condition is to maintain hygiene. Cleanliness plays a major role in the treatment of stye. A stye usually clears up within a week or two without any treatment but if it is causing itchiness or pain in the eye you can use a warm compressed method for relief. In this method, wet cloth in warm water and put it on your eyelid.this will give some relief and soften the stye. You should also avoid expired cosmetics, dirty towels, and contaminated dirty hands to prevent stye.

Symptoms of stye

• Redness around the eye
• Bump on the eyelid
• Feeling of foreign particle present in the eye
• Inflammation or little pain

Digital Eye Strain

Summer means holidays, and holidays mean children are at home. On these hot summer days, children do not prefer to go out and play they find it very exciting to sit in front of the television sets and play video games on mobile phones and play stations. This COVID has also left very limited choices in front of parents and children. The interaction of children and even adults for prolong hours with the digital screen causes digital eye strain.

Symptoms of digital eye strain

• Dryness
• Irritation
• Redness of the eyes
• It can also be very painful for the children

In the pandemic, the education is also online and the interaction with the digital screen is now unavoidable so here are some tips and steps that one could follow so that the eyes could be saved from digital eye-strain:

1. A person should take a break every 30 minutes and should focus on any distant object. This could provide rest and relief to the eyes from digital strain.
2. Maintain a distance of at least 20 cm. from the digital screens.
3. A person should limit their screen time and should take proper sleep.
4. In case the eye problem develops, the patient should visit an eye specialist.

Tips For Eye Care During Summer And Monsoon Season

Eyes are very sensitive and are prone to infection throughout the year. So, one could follow these instructions all year long to safeguard their eyes from any kind of infection or strain.

Maintain Hygiene

Wash your eyes with cold water frequently especially after coming from outdoors during the monsoon season. Also, wash your hands before touching your eyes. Most of the infections are caused by bacteria that get into the eyes through dirty hands. Keep the contact lenses in a closed container and clean them regularly to avoid any type of fungal or bacterial infection on them.

Use Sunglasses

Wear sunglasses during the summer days which are 100% UV protected when you step out of the home. Always have eye protection as sun rays are harmful to our eye like our skin. Never challenge the sun by directly looking at it. Prefer polarized glasses or anti-glare glasses for saving yourself from the glare of the sun.

Avoid Contact Lenses During Monsoon Season

Contact lenses do correct refractive errors but the person has to be really careful. As contact lenses can cause eye infections if you are not careful enough as bacteria can enter easily your eyes with them. Contact wearers should keep changing lens solutions and even lenses before their expiry date.

Use Eye Masks or Eye Drops If Needed

The cool eye mask should be used during the summer if there is a feeling of excessive dryness in the eye. Providing little care to the eyes can save you from many eye problems.

Use Good Quality Make-Up

Don’t experiment with any kind of makeup on your eyes. Use only good quality products. Also, check the expiry date of makeup products. Avoid using cosmetics during any kind of eye infection or strain especially during the monsoon season.

Stay Hydrated

Stay hydrated especially during the summers when the body needs more water. Because it becomes very difficult for the eyes to produce tears if the body is severely dehydrated. Dehydration can cause problems like dry eyes.

Don’t Let Rainy Water Enter Your Eyes

Protect your eyes from the rain splashes as it brings dirt and harmful particle along with water into the eyes and can cause irritation in them. You should rinse your eyes with clean water if you are caught in any dust storm because this dirt in the eyes can cause various infections and irritation in the eyes.

Limit Your Screen Time

Avoid using a computer for a long time without any rest. This will cause eye strain and dry eyes and can even cause serious eye problems in the long term. Do eye exercises while working after every hour to keep your eye healthy.

Pamper Your Eyes

Put on a slice of cucumber whenever you can. This will soothe your eyes and provide great comfort, especially in summer. Also, take proper sleep for providing rest to your eyes. Just like our bodies, they can’t function 24/7 either.

Get Your Eyes Tested

In the case of any eye infection or problem, you should see the doctor as soon as possible so that proper treatment could be given on time. You should get your eyes checked regularly by a certified ophthalmologist.

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