The monsoon is a welcome relief from Delhi's summer heat, but the same humidity and standing water that cool the city also create ideal conditions for eye infections. Every rainy season our clinic sees a noticeable rise in cases of conjunctivitis, styes and irritated, watery eyes. The good news is that the vast majority of these problems are preventable with a few simple habits.
Why infections rise during the monsoon
Warm, damp air lets bacteria, viruses and fungi multiply faster, and waterlogged streets mean contaminated water is splashed onto the face far more often. Add in the natural tendency to rub the eyes with unwashed hands, and it is easy to see why "red eye" spreads so quickly through families, offices and schools at this time of year.
Everyday precautions that make a difference
- Wash your hands often and keep them away from your eyes. Most eye infections are spread by touch, not by air.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. If they itch, use a clean tissue or a prescribed lubricating drop instead.
- Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, pillows or eye cosmetics — these are the commonest way infection passes from one person to another.
- Keep rainwater out. If splashed water gets into your eyes, rinse them with clean drinking water rather than leaving them to dry.
- Give contact lenses a break. Humidity and waterborne organisms make lens-related infections more likely in the monsoon. Switch to spectacles on wet days, and never wear lenses while swimming or wading through water.
Contact lens hygiene
If you do wear lenses, be stricter than usual: wash and dry your hands before handling them, use fresh solution every time, never top up old solution, and replace your lens case regularly. Any redness, pain or blurring while wearing lenses means you should remove them immediately and have your eyes checked.
When to see a doctor
Mild watering or itching often settles on its own, but you should not wait it out if you notice any of the following:
- Redness that worsens or spreads over a day or two
- Thick discharge that sticks the eyelids together in the morning
- Pain, sensitivity to light, or any drop in vision
- Swelling of the eyelid or a painful lump (a stye)
These can be signs of an infection that needs prescription treatment. Self-medicating with old or over-the-counter drops — especially steroid drops — can make things considerably worse.
A calm season for your eyes
Monsoon eye trouble is common but rarely serious when it is treated early. Practise good hygiene, respect your contact lenses, and reach out promptly if something does not feel right. If you or a family member develops persistent redness or discomfort this season, the team at Vista Eye Care is here to help.
