Eyes, allergy symptoms and monsoon: Tips on dealing with seasonal eye allergy symptoms in wet season

Aug 15, 2023 at 6:07 PM
Eyes, allergy symptoms and monsoon: Tips on dealing with seasonal eye allergy symptoms in wet season

Monsoon, the much-awaited respite from scorching warmth, brings with it a mixture of delight and misery as a result of whereas the raindrops dance merrily, our eyes typically discover themselves struggling to maintain up with the enjoyment as it’s that point of the yr once more when seasonal eye allergies and infections make their unwelcome look. As the heavens open up and the humidity rises, let’s discover the connection between allergy symptoms, infections, the rains and uncover some important suggestions to deal with these pesky eye points.

Eyes, allergies and monsoon: Tips on coping with seasonal eye allergies in rainy season (Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)
Eyes, allergy symptoms and monsoon: Tips on dealing with seasonal eye allergy symptoms in wet season (Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay)

Connection between allergy symptoms and monsoon

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Vijay Mathur, Senior Consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals , shared, “Monsoon is notorious for triggering eye allergies and infections. The dampness fosters the growth of viruses and fungi, leading to conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye.” Symptoms include redness, itching, grittiness and excessive tearing with discharge. Pollen, dust, and other airborne particles carried by the monsoon winds can further aggravate eye irritation, causing discomfort to even non-allergic individuals.”

Common eye-related issues in monsoon

Dr Vijay Mathur highlighted –

1. Epidemic infectious conjunctivitis: Is the main perpetrator. This situation causes pink, itchy, gritty and watery eyes attributable to an infection attributable to viruses (adenovirus is the most typical) within the air. This situation is very infectious and might simply transmit from one particular person to a different. Personal hygiene together with hand washing is an efficient option to forestall individual to individual transmission.

2. Allergic conjunctivitis: Monsoon is a time when fungi and moulds multiply. This results in allergy symptoms in vulnerable people.

3. Styes and chalazion: The damp setting fosters bacterial development, resulting in painful styes and chalazion on the eyelids.

4. All different eye infections: Bacteria and viruses thrive within the monsoon, rising the danger of eye infections like Keratitis and Dacrocystitis.

Coping methods:

Bringing his experience to the identical, Dr Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director – India, Orbis, revealed, “During the monsoon season, it is essential to focus more on our eyes since the rains and increasing humidity offer an ideal environment for pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungal moulds to develop and multiply. Eye conditions such as allergies and conjunctivitis are prevalent during the rainy season. They usually cause red, itchy, and watery eyes. Identifying and suppressing the root cause is the best approach to avoid all the sufferings associated with eye allergies. This means that if a person knows they are allergic to a specific substance, such as a fungal mould, they should avoid going to wet regions where they might come into contact with mould.”

He added, “Similarly, if someone is allergic to pollen, they should avoid stepping out of the house during the period when the pollen concentration is high in the air. Furthermore, wearing eyeglasses when going outside is a good practice that everyone should undertake. Maintaining personal hygiene by often washing hands with soap and water is essential. To reduce the chances of introducing irritants from the surroundings into the eyes, avoid touching the face and eyes frequently. Even when humidity levels are at their highest during the monsoon, dry eyes can occur.”

Dr Rishi Raj Borah urged, “In such circumstances, artificial tears can assist to relieve discomfort while also moisturising the eyes. Furthermore, sharing personal belongings like towels and makeup should be avoided. It is also preferable to avoid utilising public swimming pools during the rainy season, since these might serve as breeding grounds for the spread of bacterial illnesses. Seeking professional medical assistance should be the norm for anyone experiencing symptoms of an eye allergy and if you are unsure of the underlying cause, an eye doctor or ophthalmologist will be able to help find out the probable root cause and offer therapies to relieve the symptoms.”

According to Dr Vijay Mathur, to fight these monsoon-related eye points, comply with these important coping methods –

1. Cleanliness first: Regularly clear your residing house to scale back mildew and mud accumulation.

2. Hand hygiene: Maintain good hand hygiene to stop eye infections by refraining from touching your eyes with unwashed fingers.

3. Use eye drops: Over-the-counter synthetic tears present reduction from dryness and flush out allergens.

4. Stay dry: Avoid getting drenched in rain and getting splashed with soiled water in puddles to minimise publicity to allergens and infectious brokers.

5. Consult your physician: If signs persist, search skilled assist for correct analysis and remedy.

With just a little vigilance and proactive care, you possibly can be sure that your eyes stay resilient through the monsoon. Welcome the rains with open arms and bear in mind to protect your treasured imaginative and prescient from seasonal woes.