Eyes more prone to damage in summers due to heat, high levels of pollutants: Doctor

Agra, DD.MM.2022: Heat, pollutants, and irritants increase the risk of eye allergies, including conjunctivitis, stye, and pterygium. Even if you wear contact lenses, it is advisable to use sunglasses and a hat for protection. Always consult a doctor rather than self-medicating.

 As soon as summers arrive, people often tend to protect their skin from scorching heat. But what about eyes? This sensitive organ is prone to damage in summers as it is exposed to heat, high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air, according to ophthalmologist at Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital, Agra. 

Dr. Chikirsha Jain, Senior Consultant Retina and Ophthalmology, Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital, Agra, says the summer heat and high levels of pollutants and irritants pose risk to ocular health. These factors make eyes prone to allergic reactions such as redness, itching, and burning sensation.  

“Even if you are wearing contact lenses, wearing sunglasses and hat is highly recommended when you are stepping out in the heat. They protect the eyes from the harmful UV radiation, which can cause corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. This kind of damage can in long term cause decreased vision too. Lack of proper eye protection from sun can lead to dry eyes also as the tear film on the eye can evaporate more quickly,” says Dr Jain. 

People suffer from a range of eye conditions in this season as high temperature combines with humidity and pollution levels. Eye allergies are quite common during summers and conjunctivitis is one of them. Viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of eyes can lead to this condition. Also referred to as pink eye, the condition involves inflammation of the outer layers of the eye, feeling of having foreign body in the eye and irritation, redness, and discharge. 

Stye and pterygium are some other eye infections that are common in summers. According to doctors, while eye conditions such as allergies and infections may seem common, they can worsen with long-term complications. It is therefore important to take timely medical advice, in case one experiences symptoms like intense itching of eyes, red eyes or watery eyes. 

“Serious eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration (loss of vision) can also happen if timely medical advice is not followed. Retinal damage can also happen due to exposure of eyes to excessive heat, so it is advised by doctors to keep washing eyes with water to prevent such damage.Other preventive measures may include avoiding direct eye contact with sun, taking regular breaks from work while working on a computer, and avoiding looking at any digital screen for long. One should also avoid sitting directly in front of a fan or air conditioning system as it may lead to dryness of eyes. In case you tend to swim outdoors or in a pool, you must wear proper goggles to prevent any infection,” he added. 

Further, one should not rub their eyes directly in case of irritation or uneasiness as it can damage your eyes if you rub too hard. On the slightest hint of an eye condition, one must consult a doctor immediately and not engage in self-medication.