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31-May-2025
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The Rainy Season and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
The rainy season brings high humidity, contaminated rainwater, and inconvenient living conditions—all of which create a perfect environment for eye infections to spread, especially among young children and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms such as red eyes, itching, tearing, morning discharge, or even blurred vision—if not properly addressed—can lead to serious complications that affect long-term vision.
Why Is the Rainy Season a “Threat” to Your Eyes?
Rainwater may appear clean, but it often contains various pollutants from the air, such as fine dust, vehicle exhaust, industrial chemicals, and most concerningly, bacteria and viruses. When dirty water splashes into your eyes—whether from walking in the rain, washing your face, or touching your eyes with unclean hands—the risk of infection rises significantly.
High humidity levels also encourage the growth of mold and bacteria. In enclosed environments like offices, classrooms, or even at home, the spread of infectious eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and pink eye becomes even more alarming.
Common Eye Diseases During the Rainy Season
| Eye Condition | Main Symptoms | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | Redness, itching, tearing, discharge in the morning | Highly contagious |
| Keratitis | Eye irritation, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision | Can lead to corneal ulcers |
| Blepharitis | Eyelid itching, eyelash loss, dry eyes | Prone to recurrence |
| Corneal Foreign Body | Foreign body sensation, difficulty closing eyes, eye redness | Can cause corneal abrasion if untreated |
How to Prevent Eye Diseases During the Rainy Season
1. Wear Protective Glasses When Going Out in the Rain
Windshields or clear protective glasses help block rainwater, dust, and bacteria from directly contacting the eyes.
They reduce the risk of infection from external environments, especially when riding a motorbike.
2. Rinse Eyes with Saline Solution After Being in the Rain
Use 0.9% sterile saline to rinse your eyes after exposure to rain or polluted air.
Do not mix homemade saline, as it increases the risk of cross-contamination.
3. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes Even If They Feel Itchy or Irritated
Rubbing can scratch the cornea and make it easier for bacteria to enter.
If irritation persists, use saline solution or see an eye doctor promptly.
4. Limit Contact Lens Use During Rainy Season
Humidity and high contamination levels increase the risk of corneal ulcers if lenses are used improperly.
If contact lenses are necessary, ensure hands are clean and the solution is changed regularly.
5. Do Not Share Towels or Wash Basins
Bacteria and viruses can survive on towels for hours.
Each family member should have their own clean towel, washed and sun-dried daily.
Strengthen Eye Immunity Through Nutrition
Focus on eye-friendly foods during the rainy season:
- Vitamin A: found in carrots, pumpkin, animal liver
- Vitamins C and E: found in oranges, kiwis, broccoli, almonds
- Omega-3: found in salmon, mackerel, chia seeds
A healthy diet not only improves vision but also boosts overall immunity during wet and cold weather.
Contact Lenses and Hidden Risks in Humid Weather
For contact lens users, the rainy season is a hidden enemy. Despite being convenient and aesthetic, contact lenses demand strict hygiene. In humid conditions, even a small mistake—wearing lenses with unclean hands or soaking them in old solution—can lead to prolonged and painful corneal infections.
It’s best to switch to eyeglasses during the rainy season for full protection. If contact lenses must be worn, limit usage time and strictly follow medical guidelines.
Don’t Share Towels – A Simple Yet Effective Rule
Sharing towels or wash basins—especially with someone showing signs of eye infection—is one of the fastest ways to spread disease. Bacteria and viruses can live on damp fabric for hours, and just a single touch to your eye is enough to trigger symptoms. Assign a personal towel to each family member and ensure regular cleaning and sun drying.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Visit an eye clinic or hospital immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Red, watery eyes lasting more than 2 days
- Unusual blurred vision, eye pain, or light sensitivity
- A foreign body sensation that doesn’t go away
- Thick yellow discharge or swollen eyelids
Avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops of unknown origin, especially those containing corticosteroids, unless prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
The rainy season can easily harm your eyes if proper care is not taken. By proactively protecting your eyes—through small habits like wearing protective glasses, rinsing eyes correctly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to sources of infection—you can effectively prevent most rainy-season eye conditions.
Start today to keep your eyes healthy and bright, no matter how humid or unpredictable the weather may be. For expert care, visit a trusted eye clinic for regular checkups and personalized advice.
22/11/2025
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