Highlights:
- Common eye infections during monsoon – conjunctivitis, fungal keratitis, styes, blepharitis.
- Reasons – Increased humidity, contact with air-borne allergens and contaminated water, carelessness with contact lens use, poor eye hygiene practices, and sharing things with infected people.
- Prevention – Sanitise hands frequently, maintain good eye hygiene, keep eyes dry, and use clean water to clean eyes.
- Minimising infection risk – wear protective eyewear, avoid sharing personal belongings, follow right contact lens practices.
- When to seek medical attention – Eyes have redness, itching, pain, blurred vision, or discharge.
The monsoon season brings a welcome respite from the scorching summer heat, but it is also the time when microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi get the perfect environment to grow and spread. It is the season not just for colds, coughs, and fevers but also eye infections. Increased humidity, contact with contaminated water and air-borne allergens, and frequent touching of the face can lead to a range of eye infections that, if left untreated, may cause discomfort or even serious complications.
Common Monsoon-Related Eye Infections
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Monsoon often brings a surge in cases of conjunctivitis – a highly contagious eye infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergens. Symptoms include redness, excessive tearing, itching, and a sticky discharge, especially when you wake up after sleep. It spreads through direct contact with contaminated hands, towels, or surfaces.
2. Stye (Hordeolum)
A stye is a painful, red bump on the eyelid. It is caused by a bacterial infection of the oil glands. The humid and sweaty conditions in the rainy season coupled with inadequate hygiene make it easier for bacteria to multiply, leading to inflammation, tenderness, and discomfort in the eye.
3. Fungal Keratitis
High moisture levels put your eyes’ cornea at risk of fungal infections. This risk is higher in people who wear contact lenses or have suffered some eye injury. This condition can cause severe pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity, and needs immediate medical attention.
4. Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition in which the eyelids become inflamed. It is often caused by bacterial infection, clogged oil glands, or skin conditions. In the monsoon, increased humidity leading to bacterial growth can worsen this condition, causing irritation, puffiness, itching, and crusting along the lash line.
5. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dryness in the rainy season might sound unusual, but monsoon humidity can lead to dry eyes. People who spend long hours in air-conditioned rooms to escape the damp weather are particularly prone to this condition. Reduced tear production or poor-quality tears can cause eye irritation, burning, and blurred vision.
How Monsoon Conditions Trigger Eye Problems
- Increased Humidity: Encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Contaminated Water: Rainwater often contains pollutants and harmful bacteria.
- Poor Hygiene: Frequent touching or rubbing of eyes with unwashed hands transfers germs directly to eyes.
- Allergens in Air: Allergies caused by pollen, dust, and mould are common in the monsoon.
- Sharing Personal Items: Towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, or cosmetics can pass on infections quickly.
- Wearing Contact Lenses: Bacteria build up on contacts due to prolonged use or improper handling.
Protecting Your Eyes During the Monsoon
1. Maintain Eye Hygiene
Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes or face. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation or transfer germs from your hands to your eyes.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
Never share towels, napkins, or eye makeup, as these can transfer bacteria or viruses from one person to another.
3. Protect Against Rainwater Splash
Avoid rainwater getting into your eyes. And if rain water happens to get into your eyes, use a clean and dry towel to gently wipe your eyes dry. Preferably use a fresh towel or cloth to prevent the spread of infections.
4. Care for Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, make sure you disinfect them regularly and avoid wearing them for too long and during heavy rains. Additionally, use only the specified solution for cleaning your lenses.
5. Use Eye Drops
Lubricating eye drops, also called artificial tears, are available over-the-counter. You can get them to soothe your eyes and flush out allergens and pollutants. However, do consult an eye doctor before using medicated eye drops.
6. Diet and Hydration
Consume a healthy diet – rich in vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants to strengthen your immune system. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. It will also wash away toxins from your body and reduce the risk of infections.
7. Seek Timely Medical Advice
If you notice persistent redness, pain, blurred vision, or discharge from eyes, consult an eye specialist immediately. Early treatment can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
Final Word
Monsoons revive and rejuvenate the environment, but it is also the time to take extra care of your health, especially your eyes. Maintain hygiene, be alert to symptoms, and seek timely medical help. An eye hospital in Chandigarh where you can get expert advice and advanced care for all eye conditions, is Sohana Eye Hospital. Just register online or walk in to get the best treatment for your eyes.
Take care of your eyes and enjoy the rainy season. After all, it is with healthy eyes that you can enjoy lush green landscapes and raindrops.
