Marked by refreshing rains and cool temperatures, the monsoon season brings with it a host of health issues, especially for the eyes. Increased humidity and moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive, resulting in a surge in eye infections. Here are some of the common eye disorders that are prevalent during this season, along with essential preventive measures and Ayurvedic remedies to keep your eyes healthy at their optimum.
Common eye problems during monsoon
Red Eye/Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as red eye, is one of the most common eye infections during the monsoon season. This condition is caused by bacteria, viruses or allergens, which leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Symptoms: Redness, itchiness, roughness, discharge that forms a crust overnight, tearing, sensitivity to light.
Precautions: To prevent the spread of infection, avoid touching your eyes after touching surfaces, wash your hands frequently, use clean towels, and avoid sharing personal eye care products.
Dry eye
Contrary to what you might expect during humid seasons, dry eye syndrome can develop due to increased indoor air conditioning and exposure to pollutants.
Symptoms: Burning sensation, stringy mucus, sensitivity to light, bloodshot eyes, foreign body sensation in eye, watery eyes, blurred vision.
Precautions: Avoid direct wind in your eyes, use artificial tears regularly, and consider using safety glasses to protect your eyes from wind and pollutants.
Swollen eyelids/styes
According to Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, director, Basu Eye Hospital, “Styes are painful red swellings caused by bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands in the eyelids. Styes are common, especially during monsoon due to increased humidity and poor hygiene habits.”
Symptoms: Swelling, discharge, crusting around eyelid, sensitivity to light, pain, itching.
Precautions: To prevent infection, practice good facial hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly, especially before touching your eyes.”
Bacterial/viral infection
These infections are highly contagious and can spread rapidly during monsoon, especially in crowded places and in unsanitary conditions.
Symptoms: Yellow, sticky pus discharge, eyelashes sticking together, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and sometimes fever.
Precautions: To minimise the risk of infection, wash your hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes and clean your contact lenses frequently.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Eye Health in Monsoon
Here are some Ayurvedic remedies recommended for common eye problems during the monsoon season.
Wash your eyes with Triphala water: Triphala, a blend of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki and Haritaki, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Washing your eyes with Triphala water soothes, purifies, reduces inflammation and naturally fights infections.
Cold sponging: Cold sponging is great for inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis. The cold reduces swelling, itching and redness. Hot sponging is great for styes and muscle tension. The heat relaxes the muscles, allowing pus to drain from the stye and speed up healing.
Eye massage with ghee: Ghee (clarified butter) is valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing and healing properties. Gently massaging your eyes with ghee before bedtime can help nourish the eye tissue, improve circulation, and reduce dryness and fatigue. This practice strengthens the eyes and supports overall eye health.
Maintains digestive fire (agni)
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced digestive fire (agni) for overall health, including eye health. A strong digestive system enhances nutrient absorption and prevents the buildup of toxins that can affect the eyes. Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding processed and oily foods, can help maintain a healthy agni.
The monsoon season brings its own set of challenges and requires special care to maintain eye health. By understanding common eye infections, taking preventative measures, and incorporating Ayurvedic remedies into your daily routine, you can protect your eyes and enjoy the rainy season without discomfort.
Common eye problems during monsoon
Red Eye/Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis, also known as red eye, is one of the most common eye infections during the monsoon season. This condition is caused by bacteria, viruses or allergens, which leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Symptoms: Redness, itchiness, roughness, discharge that forms a crust overnight, tearing, sensitivity to light.
Precautions: To prevent the spread of infection, avoid touching your eyes after touching surfaces, wash your hands frequently, use clean towels, and avoid sharing personal eye care products.
Dry eye
Contrary to what you might expect during humid seasons, dry eye syndrome can develop due to increased indoor air conditioning and exposure to pollutants.
Symptoms: Burning sensation, stringy mucus, sensitivity to light, bloodshot eyes, foreign body sensation in eye, watery eyes, blurred vision.
Precautions: Avoid direct wind in your eyes, use artificial tears regularly, and consider using safety glasses to protect your eyes from wind and pollutants.
Swollen eyelids/styes
According to Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, director, Basu Eye Hospital, “Styes are painful red swellings caused by bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands in the eyelids. Styes are common, especially during monsoon due to increased humidity and poor hygiene habits.”
Symptoms: Swelling, discharge, crusting around eyelid, sensitivity to light, pain, itching.
Precautions: To prevent infection, practice good facial hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly, especially before touching your eyes.”
Bacterial/viral infection
These infections are highly contagious and can spread rapidly during monsoon, especially in crowded places and in unsanitary conditions.
Symptoms: Yellow, sticky pus discharge, eyelashes sticking together, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and sometimes fever.
Precautions: To minimise the risk of infection, wash your hands regularly, avoid rubbing your eyes and clean your contact lenses frequently.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Eye Health in Monsoon
Here are some Ayurvedic remedies recommended for common eye problems during the monsoon season.
Wash your eyes with Triphala water: Triphala, a blend of Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki and Haritaki, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Washing your eyes with Triphala water soothes, purifies, reduces inflammation and naturally fights infections.
Cold sponging: Cold sponging is great for inflammatory conditions such as conjunctivitis. The cold reduces swelling, itching and redness. Hot sponging is great for styes and muscle tension. The heat relaxes the muscles, allowing pus to drain from the stye and speed up healing.
Eye massage with ghee: Ghee (clarified butter) is valued in Ayurveda for its nourishing and healing properties. Gently massaging your eyes with ghee before bedtime can help nourish the eye tissue, improve circulation, and reduce dryness and fatigue. This practice strengthens the eyes and supports overall eye health.
Maintains digestive fire (agni)
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced digestive fire (agni) for overall health, including eye health. A strong digestive system enhances nutrient absorption and prevents the buildup of toxins that can affect the eyes. Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding processed and oily foods, can help maintain a healthy agni.
The monsoon season brings its own set of challenges and requires special care to maintain eye health. By understanding common eye infections, taking preventative measures, and incorporating Ayurvedic remedies into your daily routine, you can protect your eyes and enjoy the rainy season without discomfort.
