Don’t Let Heat Wave Harm Your Eyes; Here’s How To Protect Them

New Delhi: The sun is blazing. The temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country.

According to State of India’s Environment In figures, 2022 (SoE in figures, 2022), heat-wave like conditions prevailed in 16 states of India from March 11-April 24, 2022. The country reported 280 heat wave days from March 11-May 18, 2022 — the highest in 10 years, it said.

Extreme heat can trigger eye allergies and infections such as conjunctivitis and dry eye. These eye conditions can worsen if timely medical measures are not taken. In case one does not use proper eye protection, people can also develop dry eyes as the tear film in the eye can evaporate more quickly. If this condition is left untreated or unattended, you might experience eye inflammation.

Dr Chikirsha Jain, a senior consultant at Agra’s Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital told PTI, “Our eyes become sensitive during summer, so it is essential to protect them. Even if you are wearing contact lenses, wearing eyeglasses can protect your eyes.”

Dr Tushar Grover, Medical Director of Delhi-based Vision Eye Centre, told PTI, “Allergies, infections such as conjunctivitis and dry eye are some of the conditions. We need to be extra careful as these conditions can worsen if timely medical advice is not followed.”

Here are some common conditions caused by extreme temperatures and what you should do.

You could have Conjunctivitis or “pink eye”, Stye a bacterial infection that causes tiny swelling on either one or both of the eyelids and Dry Eyes.

Drink plenty of water

Dehydration is more likely to occur during the summer season. It affects the body’s ability to produce tears, which can cause dry eyes, so it’s critical to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Conjunctivitis or “pink eye”, is an infection or swelling in the thin, transparent membrane that lies over the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of your eye, according to Healthline. Its symptoms are pink or red-toned eyes, watery or thick discharge that builds up on your eyes at night, itchiness, and an abnormal amount of tears.