Tips on methods to keep away from an infection throughout the wet season
The rainy season brings aid from the scorching warmth however it will probably additionally improve the chance of infections because the moisture within the air and the waterlogging on roads create an atmosphere that’s conducive to the expansion of bacteria and viruses. Many of us love the wet season and need a break from the summer time sweat nevertheless, monsoon rains deliver many ailments together with eye associated infections due to this fact, it is rather essential to take correct care of your eyes.
Eye infections are one of the crucial widespread illnesses throughout the monsoon season, with over 20 million instances reported yearly in India alone, in keeping with the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. By taking crucial precautions and looking for medical consideration when crucial, we will help shield our eyes and forestall probably severe eye infections.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sandeep Buttan, Technical Lead at Eye Health and Health System Strengthening at Sightsavers India, mentioned, “As an ophthalmologist, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking necessary precautions to prevent eye infections during the monsoon season. This time of year presents a number of challenges for maintaining good ocular hygiene, but with the right strategies, we can help protect our eyes and prevent potentially serious eye infections. One of the biggest challenges during the monsoon season is the high humidity, which encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses. Wet surfaces also retain agents of infections, and there is a potential for exposure to contaminated water. Frequent contact between hands and eyes can also increase the risk of eye infections, particularly for children.”
He added, “There are certain high-risk cases to consider, such as those with existing eye conditions like diabetes, allergies, or dry eyes, as well as contact lens wearers and those who have recently had eye surgery. In these cases, it is particularly important to take extra precautions to protect the eyes. The symptoms of eye infections during the monsoon season may include increased irritability, redness, and discomfort, as well as lid infections (stye – painful swelling over the lids) and conjunctivitis (red/ pink eyes) with sticky eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention from an eye specialist.”
To forestall eye infections throughout the monsoon season, he recommended that you will need to enhance the final degree of cleanliness by common hand washing and face washing. Dr Sandeep Buttan mentioned, “It is also important to avoid rubbing the eyes, particularly for children. Contact lens users should avoid exposure to rainwater and follow proper lens care practices to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, use of antibiotic eye drops should only be done on the advice of a specialist. Statistics from reputable organizations help support the importance of these practices. For example, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that contact lens wearers are more likely to develop eye infections if they use tap water or do not properly clean their lenses. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that hand hygiene interventions can reduce the incidence of eye infections by up to 50%.”
Dr Pankaj Chaudhary, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Max Hospital in Vaishali, advisable 5 tricks to keep away from an infection throughout the wet season –
- Keep your self clear and dry: One of the simplest methods to forestall infections is to maintain your self clear and dry. Make certain to take a shower day by day and dry your self completely. Avoid sporting moist garments or footwear for a very long time as it will probably create a breeding floor for micro organism.
- Drink clear water: Waterborne ailments like cholera and typhoid are widespread throughout the wet season. Make certain to drink solely clear and filtered water. If you aren’t certain concerning the high quality of water, boil it earlier than consuming.
- Eat wholesome and hygienic meals: The wet season can be a time when meals contamination is excessive. Avoid avenue meals and unhygienic eateries. Make certain to clean fruit and veggies completely earlier than consuming them.
- Boost your immunity: A robust immune system will help you combat off infections. Eat a balanced weight loss program, train commonly and get sufficient sleep to spice up your immunity. You may take dietary supplements like vitamin C to strengthen your immune system.
- Avoid crowded locations: Crowded locations like markets, malls and public transport are breeding grounds for infections. If doable, keep away from going to crowded locations throughout the wet season. If you need to go, put on a masks and keep social distancing.
Bringing his experience to the identical, Dr Shantanu Mukherjee, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, suggested 5 eye care tricks to hold your eyes wholesome this summer time –
1. Keep your eyes protected against rainwater: Even should you prefer to play, dance and bathtub within the rain, do not let the rainwater get straight into your eyes. Don’t open your eyes and benefit from the rain hitting your face. Although the rain is clear, it collects tons of germs, microbes and atmospheric pollution because it falls, that are dangerous for the eyes. That’s why that you must shield your eyes from the rain to keep away from any potential eye infections.
2. Never share your towels or napkins with anybody: Eye infections are contagious. Therefore, the transmission of germs and ailments from one particular person to a different by private hygiene objects (reminiscent of hand towels, bathtub towels, and handkerchiefs) could cause the unfold of this illness.
3. Eat wholesome meals: Rain and roadside chai-pakoda might look like a match made in heaven to many however may trigger a magnified danger of contracting eye issues. Therefore, keep away from the consumption of oily snacks, and aerated drinks. Instead, you must go for wholesome snacks, fruits, and salads. During the wet season, embrace inexperienced leafy greens, corn, strawberries, yogurt and eggs in your weight loss program.
4. Try to keep away from sporting contact lenses: Try to keep away from sporting contact lenses throughout wet season as they will trigger excessive dryness within the eyes which can lead to redness and irritation. Sometimes, it could additionally result in extreme corneal an infection and lack of imaginative and prescient. Always attempt to hold your glasses clear and dry.
5. Do not self medicate: We usually suppose that our eye associated infections are a bother for only some days and can go away in a few days. During this time, the general public go to a close-by chemist retailer and get some eye drops or medicine not prescribed by a physician to deal with their eye issues, which isn’t an accurate follow. In case you expertise even the slightest signs of eye infections throughout monsoon season, you need to search an appointment along with your eye physician.
Dr Shantanu Mukherjee concluded, “If you wake up with red, swollen and itchy eyes, there is a strong possibility that your eyes are infected. A little eye care goes a long way in preventing infections and keeping your eyes healthy so you can enjoy the rainy season without any problems. However, if you still have symptoms of an eye infection despite taking all precautions, consult your ophthalmologist immediately.”
By following these easy ideas, you may keep away from infections throughout the wet season. Remember to maintain your self clear and dry, drink clear water, eat wholesome and hygienic meals, enhance your immunity and keep away from crowded locations.