SRI VIJAYADASARU : ಶ್ರೀ ವಿಜಯದಾಸರು

 Ah, monsoons! A beautiful time of year, this magical season brings much-needed relief from the scorching summers in India. But amidst the pleasant downpours and lush greenery, we often forget that our eyes need special attention during this time. The rainy season in India poses unique challenges to eye health, and it is crucial to adopt effective eye care tips to keep our vision crystal clear. In this article, we’ll explore the common vision problems during monsoons, the available treatment options, and the best ways to safeguard our eyes during this wet and wonderful season.

Dr. Rohit Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya.

Common Vision Problems During Monsoon Season in India

Although rain water is clean, it may pick up an enormous amount of germs, microbes and atmospheric pollutants as it falls. When this makes direct contact with the exposed part of the eyes such as the cornea, eyelid, lens, and sclera, it can cause many types of infections. The wet and humid weather caused by the rain can also lead to a host of other vision problemsincluding:

1) Eye Infections – Elevated moisture levels in the air during monsoons create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses which can lead to several eye infections. The damp and humid conditions can also increase the spread of eyeinfections.

• Conjunctivitis -An eye infection commonly known as “pink eye,” conjunctivitisis an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the front portion of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids). Acommoneye problem during rainy season, pink eye is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, and is a contagious illness that can be transmittedthrough contact with contaminated fluids or surfaces.Conjunctivitissymptoms include redness, itching, swelling, excessive tearing, and discharge from the eyes.

• Stye – A stye is a bacterial infection that affects the small oil glands near the base of your eyelashes. A higher incidence of bacterial infections during the monsoon season increases the prevalence of eye styes. Duringrainy weather, dust particles and other substances can easily get trapped in theoil glands, causing them to become blocked. This creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and leads to the formation of a lump on the eyelid. Styesymptoms include the appearance of a bump on the eye, redness on the eyelids, intense pain, andpus discharge.

 

• Keratitis – This is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. Keratitis can be caused by waterborne microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses whichgrow and multiplydue to increased moisture in the air during monsoons. Keratitis symptoms include eye redness,pain, mild to severe eye discharge,blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.

• Iritis – This is an inflammation of the iris, which is the coloured part of the eye. Iritis can be caused by amicrobial infection, an autoimmune disease, or other conditions. Iritis symptoms include pain, redness, and blurred vision.

 

2) Dry Eyes – Paradoxically, the monsoon season can also bring about dry eye problems. Tears consist of a complex mixture of fatty oils, water, proteins, and electrolytes that play a crucial role in nourishing, shielding, and lubricating the surface of our eyes.Constant exposure to dust, allergens and pollutantsduring the monsoon season can lead todecreased tear production. Added to this, use of air-conditioners and fans can lead to evaporation of the watery layer of the tear film. This canlead to dry eyes. Dry eye symptomsincludedrynessand itching, foreign body sensation, burning and redness of eye, difficulty wearing contact lenses, etc.

3) Eye Allergies – The concentration of airborne allergens such as mold spores, pollen, fungus, anddust can increase during heavy rains. This cantrigger allergic reactions in some individuals or make existing allergies worse. Eye allergy symptoms include itchy, red, and watery eyes, often accompanied by sneezing and nasal congestion.

Treatment Options for Monsoon Vision Problems

If you experience any of these vision problems during the monsoon season, it is important to see an eye doctor right away as early treatment can help prevent serious complications. The ophthalmologist will perform an eye exam and suggest a course of treatment based on your symptoms and vision problems. Treatment options for monsoon-related vision problems could include:

• Eye infectionstreatment- If you suspect you have an eye infection, it’s essential to consult an eye specialist promptly. Avoid self-medication, as certain eye drops or ointments can worsen the condition if not suited to your specific problem. The doctor will prescribe appropriate antibiotics or antiviral medication, depending on the cause of the infection.

• Treatment forDry Eyes – For mild cases of dry eyes, over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide relief. However, for persistent or severe dryness, it is crucial to seek professional advice. An eye doctor can identify the underlying cause and recommend suitable treatment, such as prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or advanced therapies like punctal plugs.

• Eye AllergiesTreatment – Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can alleviate mild eye allergy symptoms. However, for chronic or severe allergies, a consultation with an eye specialist is necessary. They may suggest prescription eye drops, oral antihistamines, or immunotherapy to manage and reduce eye allergy symptoms effectively.

How to Protect Your Eyes During the Monsoon Season

Here are top 10 monsoon eye care tips to help you keep your eyes healthy and comfortable during the rainy season:

1.       Use protective eyewear- Stay indoors when possible.If you must go outside, consider wearing waterproof eyeglasses or sunglasses when stepping out during heavy rains. Protective eyewear can shield your eyes from waterborne pollutants or dust, debris, and other particles that can be found in the air during the monsoon season.

2.       Wash your hands often – This is an important tip for eye health year-round, but it’s especially important during the monsoon season. Frequent handwashing canhelp remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants that can get into your eyes and cause infections.

3.       Avoid rubbing your eyes – Rubbing your eyes can irritate them and make them more susceptible to infection. If your eyes are itchy, try using a cool compress or artificial tears to relieve the discomfort.Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms.

4.       Use lubricating eye drops – The dry and humid weather of the monsoon season can dry out your eyes, making them feel uncomfortable and irritated. Using lubricating eye drops can help to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

5.       Avoid swimming in contaminated water – Swimming in contaminated water can expose your eyes to bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections. If you must swim during the monsoon season, be sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes.

6.       See an eye doctor for regular checkups – Even if you don’t have any eye problems, it is a good idea to see an eye doctor for regular checkups during the monsoon season. This will help to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that any problems are caught early.

7.       Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain sufficient tear production, reducing the risk of dry eyes.

8.       Keep your living space clean -Regularly clean and dust your living space to minimize the presence of allergens like mold and pollen.

9.       Avoid sharing personal items – Refrain from sharing towels, handkerchiefs, or eye makeup during the rainy season, as it can contribute to the transmission of infections.

10.    Follow a balanced diet- Incorporate eye-friendly nutrients like Vitamin A, C, E, and Omega-3 fatty acids in your daily diet to support eye health.

Conclusion – In the midst of enjoying the refreshing monsoon season, let’s not forget to prioritize our eye health. By following these eye care tips and seeking timely medical attention for any eye discomfort, we can ensure our vision remains clear and comfortable throughout the rainy season. Embrace the beauty of the rains while taking the necessary steps to protect and nurture your precious eyes. Happy Monsoons, and Happy Eyes!