Monsoon Eye Care: Tips to Prevent and Manage Contagious Eye Infections

Recent heavy rainfall everywhere has led to a rise in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. This eye infection is widespread due to humid conditions, which encourage the growth and spread of bacteria and viruses. An increase of about 100 cases daily, with the majority caused by a virus. This seasonal uptick in conjunctivitis cases often aligns with the flu season.

Schools have also reported rising cases of eye infection. It has also been noted that the disease is highly contagious, and symptoms last for a few days.

As conjunctivitis and other eye infections are spreading fast these days, we should speak to experts to understand the exact cause and tips to manage and prevent these. Here are some symptoms, preventive measures, and healthy tips to control Eye Infections.

Symptoms

Common signs of an eye infection include redness, itchiness, discomfort, excessive tearing, swelling, eye discharge, hazy vision, and sensitivity to light.

• Redness: Redness of the eye, commonly known as ‘bloodshot’ eyes, can signal an infection. This happens when blood vessels on the eye’s surface expand, indicating a response to an irritant or infection.
• Itchiness: Itchy or frequent eye rubbing can indicate an infection. This might be due to inflammation or irritation from foreign particles on the eye’s surface.
• Discomfort: Eye infections can cause discomfort like grittiness, burning, or a sensation of something in the eye. This can affect vision and daily tasks.
• Excessive Tearing: Excessive tearing, also called epiphora, happens when the eye tries to remove irritants or infection-causing agents. This leads to watery eyes and frequent tear wiping.
• Swelling: Swollen eyelids or the area around the eyes, called periorbital edema, may suggest an eye infection. Pain and tenderness can accompany the swelling.
• Eye Discharge: Eye infections can lead to unusual eye discharge, like watery, thick, yellow, green, or crusty discharge. It might gather at the corners of the eyes, particularly after sleeping.
• Hazy Vision: Infections can blur vision, making it hard to see clearly and do everyday tasks.
• Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Sensitivity to light is common in eye infections. Bright lights can be uncomfortable, causing pain and leading people with infections to squint or avoid well-lit places.

It’s important to note that these signs can mean an eye infection but could also be from other eye issues. If you or someone has these symptoms, seeing an eye doctor quickly is best. Getting help early can avoid problems and help you heal faster. Also, keep good hygiene, avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands, and do not share personal items like towels or makeup to lower the chance of infections.

The Link Between Rain and Eye Infections?

The increase in case numbers can be attributed to a variety of factors. Higher humidity and warmer temperatures during the rainy season provide a favorable environment for bacteria and viruses to multiply quickly. Stagnant water from contamination also accelerates the growth of bacteria and germs.

How to prevent eye infection.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of infections between individuals. Hence, it is essential to consistently wash your hands as a preventive measure against the spread of infections.

Few tips to prevent the spread. Here are some of these:

• Cleanse hands or use hand sanitizer regularly, with a frequency of every two hours.
• Don’t touch your eyes.
• Someone with conjunctivitis should practice self-isolation until the watering and discharge stop, which usually takes a few days.
• Avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs, or bedding with an individual with conjunctivitis.
• Avoid self-medicating
• Avoid clear of public places, particularly water parks and public swimming pools.

You can protect yourself and others from infections by maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, and being careful in crowded places.

Managing eye infections during the monsoon season:

In most situations, depending solely on home remedies might not be enough. It is recommended to see an eye specialist for timely treatment instead. Trying to treat yourself is not recommended in such situations.

In most cases, depending solely on home remedies might not be enough. It is better to consult an ophthalmologist to get timely treatment. It is best to avoid self-medication in such situations.

Remedies for an eye infection:

The current medical advice includes the use of antibiotic drops. However, the infection type could differ; it can be viral or bacterial, and its severity might also vary. As a result, certain instances could improve with a single antibiotic drop, while others may require a combination of drops and ointments for successful treatment. The treatment strategy will be customized based on the specific nature and seriousness of the eye infection to ensure the most favorable results. Also, some patients are advised to use an anti-inflammatory medication.

What actions should patients take while at home?

Home remedies alone might not fully solve the issue; washing your eyes with clean water at least three times a day is recommended, making sure the water touches your eyeballs directly. Following your doctor’s prescribed dosage is essential for safe and effective management of the condition.