Summer season brings with it a plethora of eye related problems. Here are some of the common eye problems in summer season.
Ultraviolet radiation either from sun or artificial source may affect the eye. Too much exposure to UVR can cause photokeratitis (also known as “snow blindness”) in the short term. Continual exposure may also cause cataracts, degenerative eye pathologies such as pinguecula (small yellowish white patch of tissue in the conjunctiva) and pterygium (yellowish white tissue that invades the cornea) or skin cancer of the eyelids.
Skin cancer or basal cell carcinoma of the lower lid but can occur anywhere on the eyelids including the eyebrows and skin around the eyes. The use of sunglasses with an adequate filter is the best method for preventing the aforementioned eye problems.
Dry eyes are another eye problem commonly seen during these hot and humid months.
With the increase in temperature, rapid tear film evaporation takes place. In simple words, dry eye is caused by too few tears or tears of poor quality that aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication to your eyes. Common symptoms of this condition are red and itchy eyes accompanied with burning sensation, gritty sensation, etc. Treatment of dry eye includes lifestyle changes and lubricating eye drops as prescribed by your eye doctor.
Conjunctivitis popularly known as red eye or pink eye.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the eyeball and lining the eyelids. There are three main types of conjunctivitis: allergic, infectious and chemical. The cause of conjunctivitis varies depending on the type.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust and animal dander among susceptible individuals. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal (pollen) or flare up year-round (dust; pet dander). Spring Catarrh or vernal conjunctivitis is a recurrent, bilateral, and self-limiting inflammation of conjunctiva seen in young boys most commonly during summer months.
The main symptom of allergic pink eye is itchy eyes. Other symptoms include red, burning and tearing eyes and puffy eyelids and are often accompanied by stuffiness and a runny nose, and sensitivity to light. Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes, but this type of pink eye is not contagious.
The best form of treatment for allergy, if at all possible, is to identify & avoid causative agent or allergen. But in most cases, it is either not possible to find out exact agent causing allergy or to completely avoid it. Cool compresses and artificial tears sometimes relieve discomfort in mild cases. In more severe cases, one needs to use the anti-allergy medication in the form of anti-histaminics, mast-cell stabilizing drugs People with persistent allergic conjunctivitis may also require topical steroid eye drops.
Infectious conjunctivitis
Can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection Affecting one or both eyes, the symptoms of this disease are itching, redness, gritty feeling, and discharge that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning, and tearing. Since the growth of such pathogens is more in the summer heat, conjunctivitis also common in the summer. It is also communicable and can spread to other individuals through direct contact or sharing of objects. Consult an eye surgeon immediately and have proper treatment initiated.
Precautions to be followed to prevent conjunctivitis or its spread are
- Discontinue contact lenses immediately
- Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use a clean towel and washcloth daily.
- Don’t share towels or washcloths.
- Avoid swimming if you have conjunctivitis
Chemical Conjunctivitis
can be caused by irritants like air pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and exposure to noxious chemicals. Careful flushing of the eyes with saline is a standard treatment for chemical conjunctivitis. Always wear goggles while swimming.
Stye
Common bacterial infection of glands of eyelids characterized by swelling in one or both eyelids. It is accompanied by other symptoms like pain and redness in the eyes as well. Styes are commonly caused by frequent rubbing of eyes with unwashed hands and by eye strain caused by reading or working on computers.
Risk factors for developing stye, are Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), certain skin conditions, such as acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, diabetes, high lipid levels. The swelling may burst and release pus and blood-stained discharge, which provides relief significantly. A warm compress held gently against the eye may help ease symptoms. The treatment is in the form of oral antibiotics & pain-killers and instillation of antibiotic eye ointment.
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