With the arrival of monsoons, there is an alteration in the weather from hot to cool weather, but there are certain factors that make it conducive to some eye diseases. These include the presence of stagnant water, humidity, dust, and unhygienic surroundings.

Do you have redness, irritation, itching, and watering in your eyes?Then there is no doubt that you're not alone, because an eye infection in rainy season can be started by minor problems but may prove to be serious when left untreated and even passed on to others.

It will be helpful for you to know about some precautions regarding this eye problem.

Why Do Eye Infections Increase During Monsoon?

Rainfall will make the humidity higher; moreover, in some cases, there will be waterlogging, and standing water may serve as a breeding place for bacteria and viruses.

Even our daily activities could be involved. Using our eyes without washing our hands, sharing towels, rubbing irritated eyes, and the use of polluted water near the face are a few examples of such activities.

That is why proper eye hygiene assumes greater importance during the monsoon.

Common Eye Infections During the Rainy Season

The common diseases that affect many people during the time of pink eye include conjunctivitis which is commonly referred to as pink eye season. This disease is caused by either viruses or bacteria and can be spread easily through contact.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Excess tear production
• Irritation or itching
• Swelling of the eyes
• Gritty feeling
• Unusual discharge
• Sensitivity to light

Conjunctivitis season in India might witness more incidents during seasons of infections that can easily spread in schools, workplaces, families, etc.

However, conjunctivitis is not the only problem. Various forms of eye infections may present the same symptoms, so it is critical not to always associate red or watery eyes with the pink eye condition.

How Can You Prevent an Eye Infection in Rainy Season?

A few everyday habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

There are so many objects your hands touch each day. Clean them properly using soap and water especially before touching your eyes and putting on eye drops.

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes when they are itchy may cause them to become infected and aggravate the itch. It is recommended that you leave your hands off your eyes until the problem subsides.

Don't Share Personal Items

Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, eyeliners, or any other items that come into contact with your face and eyes. This is especially true when someone near you is already infected by an eye infection.

Be Careful With Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to maintain them well through proper cleaning and storage. It is crucial that you do not clean and store your contact lenses with tap water.

Keep Your Surroundings Clean

Try to avoid contact with stagnant or visibly contaminated water. Keeping frequently touched surfaces clean can also help reduce the spread of germs during the monsoon.

When Should You See an Eye Specialist?

Mild irritation can be healed by itself but one should not overlook if the irritation persists. It is important for one to see an eye specialist when he has a feeling of severe pain, increasing redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, swelling, and discharge from his eyes.

One should also not use anyone else's eye drops or begin any medication without consulting his doctor first because proper medication will depend on what caused the infection and all infections are not cured by antibiotics.

One should visit Anideep Eye Hospital for an eye checkup if his symptoms have not been relieved or he is not sure whether it is conjunctivitis or some other problem with his eyes.

Conclusion

While an eye infection in rainy season is a cause for discomfort, some basic things can go a long way in ensuring that you do not get the infection. Some of these include washing your hands, avoiding eye rubbing, keeping your contact lenses clean, and not sharing your personal belongings.