When the initial drops from the sky make contact with the surface of the earth, rays of refreshing and pure feeling enter your body. However, you may be surprised to know if that water is truly safe for your eyes. Many think of rainwater as a “natural” water source and harmless — eye specialists will tell you, there is much more to the story.
Understanding Rainwater In Your Environment
Rainwater is not pure. It picks up contaminants from somewhere: It falls from the clouds, into the atmosphere where it then collects dust, smoke, and microorganisms. If you live in an urban environment, it collects even more: car fumes, research outputs, pollen, and other irritants can land in the rain-water droplets and contact your eyes.
Common rainwater contaminants:
- Airborne pollutants (sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides)
- Tiny dust particles, soot particles
- Pollen and spores
- Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi)
- Possible light traces of heavy metals in high pollution environments.
- So, while cool rain inflicting on your face feels great, your eyes may think otherwise.
How Rainwater Affects Your Eyes
Your eye has a natural protective system labeled, the tear film. This delicate protective layer is made of 3 parts: water, oil, and mucus, however, once the rainwater comes into contact with your tear film, it may cause:
- Redness and irritation
- Mild burning or stinging
- Watery eyes
- Temporary blurred vision
A possible eye infection or conjunctivitis based on the presence of pathogens
Eye care experts also note that for those who already wear contact lenses, infection may be a greater risk, as lenses could act as a substrate for the contaminated droplets of rainwater to sit on, when introduced to the surface of the eye and may promote further bacteria for irritation of the cornea.
Is Rainwater Harmful?Let’s get to the answer to the question:
Yes, rainwater can harm your eyes - especially in polluted cities or when hygiene is not great.
Light exposure, such as during light rain, will rarely be a lasting problem, but the risk begins to become greater when:
- You have existing eye conditions (dry eyes, allergies, infection)
- You rub your eyes after coming into contact with rainwater
- You recently had surgery on your eyes or LASIK procedure
- You use contact lenses without cleaning
In summary:
For what experts report
Ophthalmologists state, “In general, rainwater is not toxic, but when it falls from polluted air (upper atmosphere) to the earth, it is no longer a safe substance that you should have contact with in or around your eyes."
Eye Doctors state "even a small amount of contaminated water can cause disruption to the corneal surface, or introduce toxic bacteria. It is always better to prevent than to treat."
Avoid looking up when it rains or rinsing your eyes with rainwater, or some think a rain rinse will "clean" your eyes when that is completely incorrect.
Watch for symptoms after exposure to rain
If you are outside, in heavy rain, and afterward your eyes feel different, begin to watch out for early warning symptoms. An example being:
- Itchiness or burning that doesn't go away
- Redness that doesn't go away
- Tearing excessively
- Light/sight sensitivity
- Discharge or crusty eyes
If any of these symptoms last longer than a day you should visit an eye doctor right away!Failing to pay attention to these symptoms can lead to infections that you could have easily avoided, such as bacterial conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers.
How to Keep Your Eyes Safe this Rainy Season
The following points are simple, useful, and should be considered by an eye doctor when trying to take care of your eyes during monsoon:
- Avoid touching or rubbing wet eyes.
- Use protective glasses, or a visor when riding two wheelers.
- If rainwater has gotten into your eye, rinse your eyes with sterile saline.
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy use it to gently dry your face when needed.
- If you need corrective lenses in extremely heavy rain avoid using them, if possible.
- Wash your hands often to minimize the chance of transferring bacteria.
- If you use eye makeup, remove it before you sleep to avoid trapping bad things on your lids.
For Contact Lens Wearers:
- Disinfect contact lenses properly once you have been exposed.
- You should never store your lenses in tap water or rainwater.
- Change your lens case regularly.
Children and Elderly People Require Special Attention
It goes without saying that young children tend to have great enjoyment playing in the rain — they may not always be aware of all the dirtiness of their hands and may rub their eyes without thought.
Similarly, older people, particularly those who have had surgery or poor tear production, become more susceptible to eye infections and should be cautious.
Both younger and older people must be extremely careful and practice proper eye health hygiene during monsoon time.
Protect Your Vision Before It Is Too Late
So, is rain water harmful to my eyes?
Absolutely, yes! Many people think rain happens to be clean but rainwater is contaminate with things that cannot be seen, as with infectious and irritates your eyes.
The best way to keep your eyes safe in these instances is to avoid direct exposure to rainwater, wash your hands frequently and be aware, visit an ophthalmologist if you feel discomfort at any issue it is preventable if you seek help immediately.
Your eyes are delicate and irreplaceable and it only takes a few precautionary measures to keep them safe during the season.
Expert Eye Care at The Eye Foundation.
At The Eye Foundation, our expert doctors provide specialized care for all eye related allergies, infections and monsoon preventive care.
Whether you need a quick visit to see your doctor for an examination or special treatment of the eye under monsoon conditions, our imaging and systems and experienced doctors will give you the reassurance you need while protecting your eyes this monsoon season, rain or shine!
If you would like to book an appointment please click here to discuss with our eye care professionals to keep your vision safe this monsoon season!
