Monsoon: Guard Your Eyes
Monsoon is the season of refreshment. It makes you forget the scorching, and often traumatic heat of summer through cool breezes and calming rain showers. However, at the same time, it also makes you vulnerable to many eye problems.
You might wonder how?
We, rainwater often mix up with pollutants and dust. If they come in contact with your eye, they can lead to a number of eye problems. So, keeping your eyes protected during this season is not simply a priority; it is a duty. Considering this, this blog lists the common eye problems that you must be aware of during the monsoon.
Monsoon: An Enemy of the Eye
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, better known as Pink Eye, is a condition where the conjunctiva of the eye suffers from inflammation. The conjunctiva, which is a clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, becomes reddish. The inflammation can have several causes, including viral and bacterial infections.
Symptoms:
- Redness in the eye
- Swelling in the eye area
- Itching near the eye area
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
Fungal Eye Infections
Ocular mycoses, better known as fungal eye infections, are a rare type of infection that causes permanent vision loss. They occur when fungi spread in the eye and cause damage and infection. These infections affect various eye parts, such as the conjunctiva, cornea, and other internal ocular structures.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the eye
- Blurry vision
- Inflammation and redness around the eye area
- Excessive tearing
- Sudden eye discharge
Dry Eyes
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or Dry Eye Syndrome, is an eye condition that occurs when the eyes fail to produce sufficient tears. Sometimes, even though the tears are produced, they evaporate too quickly. This leads to vision issues and potential loss of vision. It is caused by a combination of environmental factors and medications.
Symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the eye area
- Grittiness or itch near the eye
- Irritation or redness
- Light Sensitivity
- Watery feeling in the eye
Corneal Ulcers
The cornea is the clear tissue that is located at the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea. Appearance-wise, it looks similar to a wound that is in the shape of a dome. Although the exact cause of this condition is not known, it is widely accepted that infections might be one of the leading contributory factors.
Symptoms:
- Bloodshot, or red eye
- Watery, or teary eyes (epiphora)
- Always feeling like something is stuck in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Swollen and inflamed glands
Keratitis
Keratitis refers to a condition where the cornea of the eye suffers from inflammation. Unlike corneal ulcers, keratitis might not be associated with infections. Considering this, non-infectious keratitis might be caused due to eye trauma or injury. On the other hand, infectious keratitis might be caused due to viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites.
Symptoms:
- Redness in the eye
- Excessive tears or discharge from the eye
- Gradual decrease in vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Constant feeling that something is stuck inside your eye
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis refers to an eye condition where the conjunctiva suffers from inflammation due to an allergic reaction caused by airborne allergens. These allergens can include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mould, and others. Some of the most common types of allergic conjunctivitis are Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, Atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and contact allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms:
- Itching in the eye area
- Excessive tearing in the eye
- Stringy, mucus-like discharge from the eyes
- Sneezing and a runny nose
- Redness in the eye
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an eye condition that affects the eyelids and the surrounding areas. The eyelids suffer from inflammation, which leads to itchy, swollen, and often leave flaky parts, which look like dandruff in the eyelashes. The eyelashes become clogged, which causes discomfort in vision. Although this condition is not considered to be serious, constant management is a requirement.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, red eyelids
- Gritty, sandpaper-like feeling in the eye area
- Crusting in the eyelash base
- Blurry vision
- Itching and burning sensation
Styes
A sty is a painful lump that develops on the edge of the eyelid. It looks like a pimple and causes vision discomfort if left ignored. This condition develops when the small glands located at the lining of the eyelid get blocked with foreign particles. Styes are filled with pus. Sometimes, styes can also form in the internal parts of the eye. Although in most cases they disappear after a certain time, regular care is a must for faster relief.
Symptoms:
- Tender feeling near the eyelids
- Pain in the affected area
- Sensitivity to light
- Burning and itching sensation in the eye area
- A pus-filled blob on the eyelids that will eventually disappear
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Awareness can go a long way!
Awareness is one of the foremost aspects that can help you keep your eyes protected in the monsoon. Considering this, the unholy combination of high humidity, improper hygiene, and polluted water creates the ideal condition for bacteria, viruses, and fungi to grow and thrive. This makes you vulnerable to the eye conditions mentioned above. However, the good news is that the majority of these conditions can be avoided if you follow some simple steps and are aware of what can put you in danger.
If you are aware, you will reduce your use of used or shared towels and makeup products. You will also try to use certain sanitary products only once. In addition, you will also refrain from rubbing your eyes with unclean and unwashed hands. In case you are affected by any of these diseases or conditions, it is recommended that you do not self-diagnose. Visit your nearest eye doctor immediately. Please know that the most common early signs of common monsoon eye problems are redness in the eyes, itching and burning sensations, blurry vision, and swelling. Do not let things get complicated. As soon as you see these signs, it is time to visit the doctor. Always remember, early detection means faster and effective treatment!
