Youth Incorporated Magazine

The whole of India is currently experiencing heavy downpour. Monsoon, the season of rain and breeze is a welcome guest after the shirt soaking temperatures of Mumbai. But these cool and breezy rains can easily distort your vision with a number of contagious eye diseases.

“Eye care is very important during monsoon because eye problems such as conjunctivitis, styes and corneal ulcers are very common. No matter how aware you are, someone or the others around you will carry it and offer it to you “says Dr Siddhi Shah of Vision Ankara Eye Hospital.

Let us have a look at someone of the most common eye problems people face in the monsoons:

• Conjunctivitis is the most frequently contracted eye infection at this time of the year. “Often called pink eye, it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Bacteria and viruses are the main causes of conjunctivitis. “Says Dr Siddhi. It is a good idea to protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses. To get rid of the irritation caused by conjunctivitis, lubricant eye drops which are available over the counter can help with any soreness or stickiness in your eyes.

• Dry eye, another commonly occurring eye infection, is caused by the lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye which causes a constant flow of water from the eye. This continuous flow of water from the eye causes dry eyes and leads to irritation, pain and blurred vision. This is caused by exposure to dust and pollutants. Artificial tear drops and ointments available in the pharmacy stores can be used for initial relief. You must ensure that no dirty and contaminated water enters your eyes. If it does, wash them immediately to avoid the bacteria present in dirty water from entering your eyelids.

• A stye is an infection that causes a painful lump along the eyelid. Styes are rampant during monsoon and are usually caused by bacterial infections”. You can treat styes easily by soaking a cloth in hot water and periodically cleaning your eyes every two to three hours.

Amongst the bacteria and viruses that float around during the monsoon season, Dr Siddhi says you can just take a few simple measures to ensure that your eyes don’t get infected.

“Keep special care of your eyes by rinsing and cleansing the eyes with clean and cold water”.

“Try to clean your eyes two-three times a day and do not try to touch or rub your eyes very often as it increases the possibility of viral infection”.

“ Keep your nails small. If you are someone who keeps long nails, make sure to keep them clean”.

“ If eyes are pricking, do not rub your eyelids otherwise it would increase the danger of being infected”.

By advocating these tips, you will surely reduce the risk of catching eye infections. Happy monsoons!!