We all love the monsoon season—enjoying hot, delicious pakoras with a cup of tea, going on long drives, and savoring the earthy fragrance of petrichor. However, this rainy weather also brings a host of water and foodborne diseases, including malaria, jaundice, dengue, flu, and diarrhea. Additionally, the monsoon season is linked to a surge in eye infections. Doctors report an increase in eye-related issues during this humid weather, making it essential to visit an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms like redness, burning sensations, swelling, or discharge.
5 Common Eye Infections During Monsoon
Viral Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu): This infection causes inflammation of the thin membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball. Symptoms include itching, light sensitivity, watery discharge, and redness of the eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to others if proper precautions are not taken.
Dry Eyes: This condition occurs when you’re unable to produce enough liquid tears, known as aqueous fluid. The medical term for this condition is kerato-conjunctivitis. Poor blinking habits, especially while reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods, can cause dry eyes.
Corneal Ulcer: A corneal ulcer is an open sore on your cornea, often caused by infection. Symptoms include a red, watery, and bloodshot eye, severe eye pain, and pus or other eye discharge. A corneal ulcer can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated promptly.
Stye: This bacterial infection affects one or more of the small glands near the base of your eyelashes, appearing as a lump on the eyelid. Styes are extremely common during the monsoon season.
Trachoma: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, trachoma is responsible for blindness in nearly 1.9 million people worldwide. It can be transmitted through direct contact or via towels and flies that have touched the eyes or nose of an infected person.
How to Protect Your Eyes During Monsoon
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
- Avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes frequently.
- Do not share contact lenses.
- Use eye-protective glasses while swimming or when exposed to wind.
- Avoid using swimming pools during the rainy season.
By following these precautions, you can help protect your eyes from infections during the monsoon season.