The monsoon season will bring chilly winds and refreshing rain, but it also brings something less pleasant eye infections. The humid environment, dirty rainwater, and increased air bacteria make it challenging to maintain eye hygiene during this period. If you have been observing redness, itchiness, or watering lately, you surely have company. Now let's take a look at some useful rainy season eye care tips that can keep your eyes clean, dry, and infection-free.
Effects of the Rainy Season on Your Eyes
During the monsoon, moisture levels in the air will increase phenomenally, which can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. The result will be a sudden increase in eye infections such as:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – a bacterial or viral infection that spreads rapidly through contact or contaminated surfaces.
- Stye (Eyelid Inflammation) – a blocked oil gland or lack of hygiene can lead to this infection.
- Allergic Eye Reactions – irritation caused by dust, mold, or pollen in the damp air.
Corneal Ulcers in extreme cases, a prolonged infection or misuse of contact lenses can result in the delayed infection of the cornea.
1. Do Not Touch or Rub Your Eyes
When your eyes itch is it very hard not to rub them, but during the monsoon season, it may be unsafe to do so. Each day, your hands are in contact with E. coli bacteria and the instant you rub your eyes you may be transferring that bacteria into your eyes. So instead
- If irritation occurs, use a clean tissue or sterile eye wipes to clean your eyes.
- Just wash your hands before placing anything near your eyes, face, or eyes.
- If there is persistentProtect Your Eyes from Rainwater
While rainwater is often thought to be clean, in urban areas it can often be mixed with dust, pollution, and microorganisms. Even a few droplets can cause infection such as conjunctivitis and fungal keratitis.
Simple preventative steps:
1. Do not allow yourself to get soaked when exposed to rainwater, particularly if you wear contact lenses.
2. Rinse your eyes very carefully with filtered water if you are soaked in rainwater.
3. Keep a clean handkerchief or tissue to dry your eyes.
4. Be Mindful of Wearing Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses in humid or rainy weather can put you at an increased risk for infection due to moisture trapping bacteria along the lens and the eye surface. Here are eye care tips for contact lens wearers in rainy weather:
1. Never wear lenses in the rain or during your shower.
2. Clean and disinfect lens regularly using a contact lens disinfecting solution as recommended.
3. Replace lenses on schedule and do not extend wear.
4. Carry your eyeglasses as a back up for extended exposure.
5. Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Just as you frequently wash your hands, your eyes need to be cleaned as well. Dirt, sweat, and humidity can cause irritation on the eyelid and eyelashes, making infection more likely. To prevent irritation:
1. Wash your face twice daily with clean, mild water.
2. Use a sterile wipe to wipe your eyelids gently.
3. Do not share your towels, make up, or eye drops with others.
4. Frequently replace old eye make up.
5.Enhancing Eye Immunity Internally
What you consume is important for your eyes' health. You can enhance immunity and reduce inflammation through foods, especially during the monsoon season. Below are certain foods that you may include in your daily routine:
- Vitamin A: Carrots, Spinach, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes
- Vitamin C: Oranges, Guavas, Amla
- Zinc and Omega-3: Nuts, Seeds, Fish
- Hydration: Drink enough water to help flush toxins out of the body
Keep in mind that excessive junk or oily food leads to puffiness of the eyes or irritation.
6. Avoid Self-Medication
People using left-over 'antibiotic' or 'steroid' eye drops are way too common whenever there is a red eye.
This is dangerous, as administering incorrect medicine could worsen the condition or eliminate signs of the original problem.
It is suggested that:
- You consult an eye professional prior to use of any drops.
- Ensure that prescribed eye drops given to you are stored properly and check their expiry date.
- Do not share eye drops or ointments with relatives/friends, or anyone else, for that matter.
7. Make Sure Your Environment is Clean and Dry
Fungal spores can also build up in damp locations, which will increase during the monsoon.
To help avoid airborne infections:
When possible, keep windows open in your home.
- Ensure bed linens and pillow covers are cleaned at least weekly - but the more frequent the better.
- Ensure you are not sleeping in damp rooms.
- Disinfect surface areas (e.g. doorknobs, spectacles, phone screens) regularly.
8. Reduce Screen Time, with Eye Breaks
Because of the rain, you will tend to huddle inside with more screen time (TV too, laptop too, phone too, tablet too).
If you stay glued to a screen it can create dryness and fatigue.
To keep you healthy, consider following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes look 20 feet away, or longer if possible, and try not to blink, a minimum of 20 seconds).
9. Try to Stay Away from Dust and Smoke
Certainly, the rains settle outside dust and debris, but in the real world smoke from incense sticks/candles/cooking; while this can be soothing, they can also irritate sensitive eyes.
Use exhaust fans whenever possible, and you ensure your living space is ventilated.
10. Obtain EYE Check-Ups from your EYE PROFESSIONAL
During the rainy season, the top preventative step is a visit to your eye professional for a true and expert view as the evaluations can also prevent you from subsequent eye problems.
Most infections start mild and you can be passed over until they become advanced and serious.
A quick check-in can prevent more problems from advancing and ensure your vision is safe.
Quick Eye Care Reminders for the Rainy Season:
- Do not touch/rub your eye(s).
- Protect your eyes from rainwater as much as possible.
- Have clean lenses / spectacles.
- Include immune-defensive foods.
- Keep your environment clean and dry.
- Have some screen use time - but frequently practice the 20-20-20 rule.
- Do not hesitate to reach your eye doctor if your irritation persists.
While the monsoon season can offer relief from the excessive heat, it can also come with an accumulative eye infection.
By practicing good eye care during the rainy season, with your technical optometry health team, you can help maintain the health of your eyes during each monsoon, clear, yet comfortable, during the season.
As the saying goes, ''it is always best to be preventative rather than to cure with reference to eye health when possible.''
At The Eye Foundation, we always prioritize your vision first and foremost, therefore we offer unique and advanced eye diagnostic care, with high level of skill, and expert eye professionals, and with unique eye issues
Whether you are experiencing redness or itching or dryness - our doctors will act in a timely manner and advise on the next appropriate course of treatment
Book Your Appointment Today with The Eye Foundation to agree to be proactive with your vision and eye health this Monsoon Season!
