Dr. Sanjay Kapoor says that due to intense sunlight, dust, and hot winds, cases of eye infections and allergies are increasing. Special arrangements are in place to treat these patients, and the availability of medicines has been ensured.

Eye diseases in summer

Due to the intense heat, cases of eye-related illnesses are steadily increasing. Meanwhile, 40-50 patients are arriving at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Rampur District Hospital daily with eye complaints. The health department has gone on alert due to the rising temperatures and is urging people to take precautions.

How are the symptoms visible?

The effects of the increasing heat are now clearly visible on people's eyes. The number of eye patients at Rampur District Hospital and community health centers in rural areas is rapidly increasing. Problems like watery eyes, itching, swelling, redness, and pain have become common among patients.

The doctor gave the reason.

Dr. Sanjay Kapoor says that due to intense sunlight, dust, and hot winds, cases of eye infections and allergies are increasing. The hospital administration has made special arrangements to treat these patients and has ensured adequate availability of medicines.

Do not be careless, even by mistake.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deepa Singh stated that it's common for eye problems to increase during the summer, but carelessness can be dangerous. She urged people not to purchase prescription medications without consulting a doctor, and to immediately visit the nearest hospital or CHC/PHC for a checkup if they experience any problems. She added that the health department is fully alert, but amid the increasing heat, people need to remain vigilant about their health to avoid these eye problems.

These eye diseases increase rapidly in summer.

Conjunctivitis: This is the most common problem in summer. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. It spreads rapidly through sweat, dust, and contact with each other. Symptoms include redness, swelling, watery eyes, itching, pain, and yellow or white discharge.

Eye allergies: Summer heat, dust mites, pollution, and pollen can trigger eye allergies, leading to intense itching, redness, irritation, and frequent watering.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Exposure to the scorching sun, heat, and prolonged exposure to air conditioned air can cause the eyes to lose moisture and cause tears to dry up quickly. This condition causes symptoms such as dryness, burning, a feeling of sand or grit in the eyes, and fatigue. 

Stye: In summer, sweat and dirt can cause a bacterial infection in the glands of the eyelids, resulting in a small pimple at the edge of the eyelid. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, stinging, and tenderness.

UV damage: Direct exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the cornea. This can also be called "sunburn." Symptoms include discomfort from bright light, redness, severe pain, and watery eyes.

Corneal ulcers: Excessive rubbing of the eyes due to allergies or dry eye, or poor hygiene of contact lenses can cause corneal ulcers. This can worsen in the summer due to bacterial growth.

How to protect your eyes in summer

• Always wear good quality UV-protected sunglasses when going out.
• Wash your eyes with cold and clean water 2-3 times a day.
• Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes with dirty hands.
• If you spend a lot of time in AC or work on a computer, then use lubricating eye drops as per the advice of the doctor.
• If you have eye flu or an infection, consult a doctor immediately. Do not self-medicate.
• Drink adequate amount of water so that the body and eyes remain hydrated.