Eye Care and Monsoon: Diseases and Prevention
Cool weather, muddy puddles, and greener gardens are all welcome signs of the monsoon. But with the fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels come a different set of problems: water-borne diseases, stomach problems, and particularly, eye infections.
Common conditions like red eyes, itchiness, conjunctivitis, stye, dry eyes, and corneal ulcers are very prominent at this time of the year. Taking care of your eyes during the monsoon is important for individuals of all age groups. We will address these difficulties and how to have a safe monsoon.
Common Eye Infections in the Monsoon
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the outer surface of your eye along with the inside of your eyelids. In conjunctivitis, this membrane is inflamed.
Viruses and bacteria, as well as other irritating compounds, are to blame. Conjunctivitis is contagious and can spread easily through touch and other forms of contact like sneezing and coughing. Because of the extra moisture, the illnesses spread more easily when it rains.
Redness, swelling, yellow sticky discharge from the eyes, itching, and pain are all frequent symptoms of conjunctivitis. It’s a simple eye condition to fix. All that is required is a visit to the nearest eye expert. Do not self-medicate and always seek the counsel of a qualified eye surgeon.
Stye: A stye is a bacterial illness that affects one or more tiny glands around the base of your eyelashes. It manifests itself as a bump on the upper eyelid. Due to bacterial infections, an eye stye is quite common during the monsoon season. Glands become clogged, germs thrive in that limited space with nowhere to go.
Rain, dust particles, and other substances in the eye might become trapped in these glands, providing a hotbed for bacteria. Pus discharge, redness across the eyelids, terrible discomfort, and a lump in the eye are common symptoms.
Dry Eyes: The chemicals and proteins in tears provide ample lubrication for the eyes—a mixture of fatty oils, water proteins, and electrolytes keep the eyes moist.
Tears nourish, protect, and lubricate the surface of the eyes. Because of low tear quality or inadequate tears, the eyes don’t receive appropriate moisture. Major factors responsible for this condition are dust and pollution.
If you’re travelling, make sure to wear protective eyewear. Eye drops will be prescribed by an eye specialist to lubricate and protect your eyes.
Corneal Ulcer: A corneal ulcer is a wound on the cornea’s surface, which is the transparent structure that covers your eye’s front surface. Infection because of bacteria, viruses, fungus, or parasites are the most common causes of a corneal ulcer.
The humidity in the air, especially during monsoons, provides an ideal environment for viruses to develop and multiply. It is characterised by a painful red eye, mild to severe eye drainage, and reduced vision.
To avoid complications, corneal ulcers must be treated as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the ulcer, treatment may consist of only drugs and eye drops, or it may necessitate an eye operation.
Preventing Eye Infections
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