Rains are here and so are eye-related problems. SANGEETA YADAV speaks to doctors who talk about various eye ailments and the cure for them
Eyes are the windows of our soul, thus, they must remain healthy and need a lot of attention, especially during summer and monsoon months. Due to pollution, poor vision, irritation in the eye, conjunctivitis and other eye-related problems are on rise. Here are some of the problems that become common during this season and tips to deal with them:
Conjunctivitis
The infection causes itching and redness. It spreads through direct or indirect contact and not by looking at a person who has conjunctivitis. “Conjunctivitis cases grow because of heat and humidity. But what is important is that one must not resort to self-medication as it can prove highly fatal and might even damage the cornea.
Along with proper treatment, a healthy hygienic routine must be followed. Sound sleep for six to eight hours helps rejuvenate the eyes in a natural way,” Dr Tarun Kapoor, HOD, ophthalmology, Rockland Hospitals, says. One must not forget to eat a healthy meal.
“Foods like leafy vegetables, fruit, carrots, liver, cod liver oil and nuts are very good for the eyes. Healthy foods like green vegetables and fruit should be included in daily diet. Chilled cucumbers or tea bags applied over the eyes calm and refresh tired eyes,” Dr Parthasarathy advises.
Eye allergy
Summer is also the time when the dust, pollen and other particulate substances float in the air, leading to eye allergies. “Dust mites (small insects) can be another cause of allergies. People are advised to wear sunglasses and frequently wash their eyes with clean and cold water,” Dr Niranjan K Pehere, lV Prasad Eye Institute, tells you. Avoid eye make-up and sharing eye cosmetics. Use a vacuum cleaner at home to reduce a load of allergens in the air.
Dry eyes
Due to hot and dry climate, the tear film on the eye evaporates, causing a burning sensation and irritation. This becomes more prominent in patients who already have a problem of dry eye. “Instillation of lubricating eye drops, avoiding air conditioning etc help reduce the discomfort,” Dr Pehere states.
UV protection
A heavy dose of ultraviolet rays during the summer can be harmful to the eyes. These can lead to the formation of pterygium (a layer) on the surface of the eye, cataract and retina problems. According to Dr Ajay Sharma, CMD and founder, Eye Q. “One should avoid going out in the sun between 10 am to 4 pm,” Dr Sharma tells you.
Agrees Dr Pehere. “One should not get fooled by the colour or the cost of the lenses. look for a certificate that states that the lenses can block at least 98 per cent of UV rays,” Dr Pehera says.