Awareness of the common eye infections during monsoon and taking preventive measures can help keep your child’s eyes healthy and infection-free.
Monsoon brings relief from the scorching heat but also creates a conducive environment for various infections, including eye infections. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and tendency to play outdoors. The increased presence of bacteria, viruses, and allergens in the environment poses a significant risk to eye health. Awareness of the common eye infections during this season and taking preventive measures can help keep your child’s eyes healthy and infection-free. Dr. Rasika Khedkar, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals spoke to India.com and shared 5 common eye diseases during the monsoon and effective strategies to prevent them.
5 Common Eye Infections For Kids In Monsoon
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This highly contagious eye infection spreads more during the rainy season due to increased humidity and contact with contaminated water. Symptoms include redness, itching, and discharge from the eyes. Preventing conjunctivitis involves maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding sharing personal items like towels and eye makeup, and washing hands frequently.
- Styes: These are painful, pus-filled lumps near the edge of the eyelid, often caused by bacterial infections. To prevent styes, one should refrain from rubbing their eyes with unclean hands and ensure proper cleanliness.
- Fungal eye infections: Fungal infections can escalate during the monsoon due to the proliferation of fungi in damp conditions. Symptoms might include pain, redness, blurred vision, and discharge. Preventing fungal infections involves keeping your eyes dry and clean, using antifungal medications as prescribed by a doctor, and wearing protective eyewear in rainy conditions.
- Allergic reactions: Pollen and mold spores thrive in humid weather, leading to allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms include red, itchy, and watery eyes. To combat these, avoid going out in high pollen conditions, use allergen-reducing eye drops, and keep windows closed during high pollen counts.
- Corneal Ulcers: These are open sores on the cornea that can cause severe pain and blurred vision, often resulting from bacterial or fungal infections. Prevention includes using antibacterial or antifungal treatments as prescribed and wearing protective eyewear during heavy rainfalls.
Monsoon Eye Care Tips
- Personal hygiene: Regularly wash your hands before touching your eyes to avoid transferring infection.
- Protective eyewear: Sunglasses or protective goggles can help shield your eyes from infected rainwater and debris.
- Avoid contaminants: Stay clear of areas with standing water, which can harbor bacteria and viruses harmful to eye health.
- Regular eye check-ups: Visit an ophthalmologist regularly to ensure any signs of infection are caught and treated early.
By being vigilant and adopting these preventive measures, you can enjoy the monsoon season without compromising your eye health.