Monsoon Maladies: Your One Simple Fix for Chronic Dry Eyes, Says Expert

India's monsoon season is unusually prolonged, with overall surplus rainfall and a delayed withdrawal that stretched into October. While it is a relief from the blistering heat, for some people, it has its own issues of health troubles. Most of us are aware of flu, viral infections, and skin diseases during this time; one more annoying condition that tends to affect many is dry eyes. Dry eyes usually occur in the wet, humid months because more time is spent watching screens indoors, changes in humidity, poor air flow, and fungal allergens, all of which make eyes dry, itchy, and fatigued. Experts warn that if not controlled, this situation can impede everyday life, where reading, driving, or even watching your favourite web series becomes a hassle. 

While people who suffer from this have had several medications to better the situation, there's one easy solution that will instantly give you relief, and that is artificial tears. Read ahead to know your one-stop solution to dry, itchy eyes.

Why Monsoons Trigger Dry Eyes

In a previous interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Madhusmita Behera, Senior Consultant, Department of Cataract, Orbit and Oculoplastic Surgery, Rotary Techno Nethralaya, explained that monsoons tend to provide a look that appears fresh and wet, yet surprisingly, they dry out your eyes. Here's why:

• More allergens and pollutants: Dust, mould spores, and bacteria grow under wet conditions, causing irritation.
• Use of AC indoors: Avoiding the humid weather tends to mean spending long hours indoors in air-conditioned environments, which dehydrates the eyes.
• Too much screen time: Gloomy days send us staying indoors, with more binge-watching and work-from-home time, which results in less blinking and dry eyes.
• Low ventilation: Shut windows and moist environments can affect the eyes more than we know.

Also Read: Hydration Beyond Water: 5 Reasons Why You Should Add Electrolyte To Your Water

One Simple Fix For Dry Eyes

“For immediate and reliable relief, lubricating eye drops, also referred to as artificial tears, are your best option. These drops available over the counter replicate natural tears, moistening your eyes, calming irritation, and flushing out allergens or irritants. The trick is using them regularly, not only when discomfort arises,” Dr Bahera highlighted. Here’s why artificial tears are best:

• They offer quick relief from burning and dryness.
• They create a protective barrier, keeping allergens from adhering to the product of the eye.
• They're long-term safe when preservative-free options are used.
• They can be stashed in your purse to use anywhere, anytime.

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Easy Daily Habits That Add Up to Comfort for Your Eyes

“While artificial tears are your best friend, complementing them with minor adjustments to your habits guarantees lasting relief,” she added. Here are easy everyday habits that will add up to comfort your dry and itchy eyes:

• Adhere to the 20-20-20 principle: For every 20 minutes spent on a screen, gaze at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Conscious blinking: Prompt yourself to blink frequently, especially when typing on electronic devices.
• Hydrate: Adequate water consumption keeps your body, and hence your eyes, hydrated and moist.
• Ensure cleanliness in your setting: Manage mould and dust in your home to minimise irritation.
• Avoid direct AC exposure: Do not sit in direct front of air vents.

Bottomline

The monsoon may be turning the world outside you green and lovely, but it should not dry up your eyes and leave them irritated. A small bottle of artificial tears, paired with some careful habits, can change your eye health this season. Don't let dry eyes ruin your monsoons. Act now and maintain your vision crystal clear, comfortable, and fresh.