Five common eye infections you should be aware of this monsoon season

As the monsoon season arrives, bringing relief from scorching temperatures, it also ushers in a host of health concerns, particularly for our eyes. 

The increased humidity and waterlogged environments create ideal conditions for various eye infections to thrive. These ailments can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, potentially lead to more serious complications. 

Dr Navya C, consultant ophthalmologist at Athreya Super Speciality Hospital tells indianexpress.com about the five common eye infections that tend to spike during the rainy season and provides practical, effective strategies to safeguard your vision. 

She says, “The monsoon season brings with it a heightened risk of eye infections. It is important to know what they are and how to prevent them.”

Here are five common types eye infections many suffer from during the monsoon season, according to Dr Navya

Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This highly contagious infection causes redness, itching, watery discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Similar in symptoms to viral conjunctivitis, but caused by bacteria. It often presents with thicker, yellowish discharge and may require antibiotic treatment.

Stye: A painful, red bump on the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection of the oil glands. It can lead to swelling, tenderness, and blurred vision if it grows large enough.

Fungal Keratitis: This infection of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is caused by fungi. It can result in pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and discharge. Contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible.

Dry Eye: Though not strictly an infection, the increased humidity during monsoons can worsen dry eye symptoms. This happens because humidity hinders tear evaporation, leading to a watery layer on the eye that evaporates quickly, leaving the eye surface dry.

The increased humidity and waterlogged environments create ideal conditions for various eye infections to thrive. (Source: Freepik)

How to differentiate between a mild eye irritation and a serious eye infection

According to Dr Navya, a mild irritation usually “involves mild redness, itching, and watering. Symptoms typically resolve within a few days with over-the-counter eye drops or warm compresses.”

In case of a serious eye infection, severe pain, light sensitivity, blurred or decreased vision, and thick or coloured discharge are red flags. “Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. Delaying treatment can lead to complications like corneal damage or vision loss,” she warns.

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and consult an eye doctor. They can accurately diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Preventive measures for healthy eyes during monsoons

Protecting your eyes during the monsoon season involves adopting a few simple yet effective habits, says Dr Navya. These are:

Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes. Avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading germs.

Avoid Sharing: Don’t share towels, handkerchiefs, or eye makeup with others. These items can easily harbor and transmit infectious agents.

Cleanliness: Keep your surroundings clean, especially surfaces that come in contact with your face. Regularly disinfect frequently touched objects like doorknobs and phone screens.

Contact Lens Care: If you wear contact lenses, follow strict hygiene practices. Clean and disinfect your lenses as directed, and consider switching to daily disposable lenses to minimize the risk of contamination.

Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from rain, wind, and potential irritants.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.