Protect Your Eyes This Summer and Monsoon, Say Leading Ophthalmologists

New Delhi (RNI) Protecting your eyes from the scorching summer heat and monsoon rains—especially in South Asia, particularly India—is essential to prevent potential eye problems. Extra caution is needed in polluted areas, desert regions, and places prone to dust storms.

Ophthalmologists advise taking every possible precaution to protect the eyes during these conditions. Avoid going outdoors during periods of intense sunlight or in heavily polluted areas whenever possible. If you must step outside, wear sunglasses with adequate UV protection. Avoid exposure to contaminated rainwater and close contact with individuals suffering from eye infections. Keep your eyes clean and dry at all times.

Similarly, do not use the towel or handkerchief of an infected person. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes frequently. Refrain from wearing contact lenses during this season, as they may increase the risk of infection. Also, do not share kajal (kohl) or eyeliner with others.

These recommendations were shared by leading ophthalmologists during interviews. They explained that the combination of humidity and dust during the summer and monsoon seasons creates favourable conditions for the rapid spread of germs that can affect the eyes.

Dr. K.P.S. Malik, an ophthalmologist and former Additional Director General in the Union Ministry of Health, said that intense heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the eyes to lose moisture rapidly, resulting in dryness and a gritty sensation.

Dr. Malik added that hot winds and airborne dust may cause itching and swelling of the eyes. Sweat and dust can also block the glands in the eyelids, leading to the development of painful red boils, commonly known as styes.

Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, Head of Eye7, one of the leading eye hospitals serving the corporate sector in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), said that eye problems become more common as the monsoon follows the scorching summer heat. According to him, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and dry eye disease are among the most common conditions during this season, causing redness, burning, itching, excessive watering, and general discomfort.

Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdeva, Chairman and Managing Director of Centre for Sight and a Padma Shri awardee, said that intense heat often causes dry eyes, leading to redness and a stinging or gritty sensation, particularly by the evening.

Dr. Sachdeva, who formerly served as an ophthalmologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), added that the combined effects of extreme heat and monsoon conditions can also increase the risk of eye infections and may affect the cornea.