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

Athreya Super Speciality Hospital

Dr Navya C, a consultant ophthalmologist diffuses knowledge about the five most ordinary eye infections and how you can avoid them. 

When one may get relief from hot temperatures brought about by the onset of the monsoons, it is accompanied by a number of diseases that pose a threat to eyes. 
 
The elevated status of humidity and moist conditions necessitates the reproduction of assorted eye infections. These ailments can cause discomfort and if not treated may lead to other severe related factors. 
 
Dr Navya C, consultant ophthalmologist at Athreya Super Speciality Hospital said to indianexpress. com regarding the five typical eye inflammations that are more recurrent in this weather and some appropriate ways to avoid the problem. 
 
She states, ‘The monsoon season exposes you to certain types of eye infections and it is good for one to have some information about them. ’ 
 
Below are the five types of eye infection many people are susceptible to in the course of the monsoon season according to Dr Navya 
Viral Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is a highly infectious illness that leads to the formation of red areas on the eyes, itching, stringy discharge and sand-like uncomfortable feeling in the eyes. However, it transmits from person to another or from contaminated objects and surfaces respectively. 
 
Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Also similar in signs to the viral conjunctivitis but defined by bacterial pathogens. It commonly has a denser, greenish hue of the discharge and may need antibiotics to be prescribed. 
 
Stye: An inflammation of the oil glands present on the eyelid which presents a painful, red bump. It can, if becomes large enough, cause swellings, tenderness and one may have blurred vision. 
 
Fungal Keratitis: This is an infection that occurs in the human eye’s cornea which is the outer transparent layer of it and is as a result of fungi. Pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and the formation of thicker or different colored discharge can be expected from it. Eye specialists claim that the risk is higher among those who wear contact lenses. 
 
Dry Eye: However, one cannot refer to monsoons as an infection; still, they exacerbate the symptoms of dry eyes due to the moist surroundings. This is because humidity slows down tear evaporation hence create a thin layer on the eye which evaporates to reveal a dry surface on the eye. 
 
The difference between eye irritation and an eye infection 
 
Based on the consult of Dr Navya, then a mild irritation or conjunctivitis is characterised with mild redness, stinging or itchiness and watering of the eyes it takes a few days to heal and may be treated over the counter with eye drops or warm rinse. 
 
If the eye infection is severe, constant crying, sensitivity to light, blurred or poor vision, and greenish or yellow pus production are signs to see a doctor. “If you encounter these symptoms, consult your doctor urgently,” she says threateningly noting that neglecting such symptoms may result into corneal abrasion, blurring of vision or even vision loss. 
 
If you have doubts, it is safer to seek help from an eye doctor from optometrists to ophthalmologists. They are in a position to diagnosis the condition and advice on the right action to be taken. 
 
Eye-care precaution to be taken during the monsoon season 
 
Thus, if you have to go out in the rain, during the monsoon season it is necessary to have some protective measures, with regard to which Dr Navya shares the following tips: These are: 
 
Hand Hygiene: To prevent rubbing the eyes ensure that you wash your hands often with water and soap. Do not rub they eyes as this would spread germs all over especially in the eyes. 
 
Avoid Sharing: Do not use those items again that has been used by other people like towels, handkerchiefs and eye make-ups. Such items pose the risk of becoming a reservoir of infection and transmission of the disease agents. 
 
Cleanliness: Maintain personal hygiene and in particular the areas that one frequently touches with their hands to the face. Sanitize other often handled items such as door handles and telephone screens from time to time. 
 
Contact Lens Care: Continued If you use contact lenses, take good measures of hygiene on you. Replace your lenses according to the instruction and consult your optician about wearing disposable soft lenses for a day to reduce contamination.