Surge In Eye Infections During Monsoons

Introduction

Monsoon is a time for rejuvenation, especially after the oppressive summer months. Frolicking in the rain is a fun activity, but it can also be detrimental to health since the rate of viral and bacterial infections is high during this time. An increase in cases of eye infections is also common during monsoon season. These are usually a combination of eye infections and allergies. 

Monsoon is often referred to as the flu season of the year because every year it arrives, the change in temperature and humidity is said to foster the growth of infection-causing microbes. Taking sound measures to improve living conditions is, therefore, a necessary step in maintaining health and hygiene. It is crucial to stay cautious while enjoying the beauty of this season so as to cut down the risk of gut infections, water-borne diseases, and even eye infections.

In this article, we discuss common eye infections during the rainy season.

Why Do Eye Infections Increase During Monsoon?

The monsoon season creates conditions that can increase the risk of certain eye infections. Higher humidity and frequent rainfall may promote the growth of bacteria and fungi, while viral infections such as conjunctivitis spread more easily through direct contact with infected secretions, contaminated surfaces, and poor hand hygiene. Rainwater mixed with dust, pollutants, or contaminated water can also irritate the eyes, which may increase the risk of infection. Practising good hand hygiene, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels can help reduce the risk of eye infections during this season.

Eye Problems in Rainy Season

1. Viral Conjunctivitis (Eye flu)

Most of the cases of pink eye during monsoons this year are reported to be due to viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis is an infection that leads to inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the white section of the eyeball¹. This thin membrane is referred to as the conjunctiva, and it acts as a shield against infections, keeping the eye moist. The conjunctiva can sometimes become infected, and when the source of the infection is a virus, which is known as viral conjunctivitis¹.

• Symptoms:
  • Itching and burning¹
  • Redness of the eyelids or the eyes¹
  • Watery discharge or tears¹
  • Light sensitivity¹
  • The sensation of a foreign object entering the eyes¹
• Treatment: Usually managed with lubricating eye drops, cold compresses, and good hygiene. Most cases improve within 1–2 weeks

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to others if precautions are not followed.

The current outbreak of viral conjunctivitis in the Indian subcontinent has a whole spectrum – from mild to moderate to severe. it should not be taken lightly. Any redness associated with pain or excessive lid swelling, should be taken seriously.

Dr. Gitanjali Sharma Bose ,MBBS MS Ophthalmology

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused when bacteria inflame and infect the conjunctiva. Target groups such as older adults, children, those who wear contact lenses and people suffering from weak immunity are at a higher risk of developing bacterial conjunctivitis².

The bacteria can enter the eyes when the person touches contaminated droplets or when they come into contact with someone who has also developed bacterial conjunctivitis.

• Symptoms:
  • Excessive tears²
  • Intolerance to contact lenses²
  • Itching²Â 
  • Eye discharge²
  • Red eyes²
• Treatment: May require antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

3. Stye

A stye is a red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelids. It is similar to an acute pimple, and it is very painful. When the small oil glands located within the eyelid skin or the eyelash follicle become clogged and infected, the stye is formed³. A stye is medically referred to as a hordeolum, and there are two types: external and internal stye⁹.External styes are very common and form on the outer part of the lower or upper eyelid. It is usually caused by an infection in the eyelash follicle⁹.

The internal stye, as the name suggests, is formed on one of the inner eyelids and it is caused by an infection within the inner eyelid gland producing oils that keep the eyelid moist⁹. Although it is more common to get a stye on one eyelid, sometimes a person can get it on both eyelids as well.

• Symptoms:
  • Eye tearing³
  • Crusting around the eyelids³
  • Soreness and itchiness³
  • Light sensitivity³
  • Painful red bumps³
  • This may also be accompanied by fever³
• Treatment: Warm compresses applied several times a day can help. Persistent or recurrent styes may require medical evaluation.

4. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Triggered by allergens, this condition can occur during any season of the year, but some allergies worsen during monsoons.

• Symptoms:
  • Redness of eyes⁴
  • Pain or itching⁴
  • Watering from eyes⁴
• Treatment: Treated by avoiding allergens and using anti-allergy medications or lubricating eye drops as advised by a doctor.

5. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a condition that occurs when tears are incapable of lubricating the eyes adequately. Dry eyes often have the tendency to burn or sting the eyes⁵. This can happen when you are in an air-conditioned room, when you are flying on an aeroplane, riding a bike, or staring at the screen for long hours.

• Symptoms:
  • Eye redness⁵
  • Photosensitivity⁵
  • Scratchy or burning sensation⁵
  • Watery eyes⁵
  • Trouble wearing contact lenses⁵
• Treatment: Artificial tears, reducing screen time, staying hydrated, and avoiding environmental irritants can help relieve symptoms.

Risk Factors for Eye Infections During Monsoon

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing eye infections during the monsoon season. These include:

• Poor hand hygiene and frequently touching or rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands.
• Close contact with someone who has viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, as these infections can spread through direct contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated hands, or shared personal items.  
• Wearing contact lenses, especially if proper cleaning and storage practices are not followed.
• Weakened immunity, including in people with chronic illnesses or those taking immunosuppressive medications.
• Children and older adults, who may be at a relatively higher risk of certain eye infections due to close contact in schools or age-related changes in immunity.
• Pre-existing eye conditions or allergies, which can make the eyes more vulnerable to irritation and secondary infections.

Eye Care Tips During Monsoon

The best way to maintain your eye health is by following a few eye care measures, which are simple but effective. These are listed below:

• You should not touch your eyes with your unwashed fingers. Germs and bacteria enter and infect the eyes, so it is recommended that you wash your hands well before doing so.
• Wash and clean your hands well before putting on contact lenses. Always wear sunglasses to shield the eyes on a windy, rainy day.
• Maintain separate towels for the body and your face.
• If you are sweating during humid weather, use clean handkerchiefs to clean the area around the eyes.
• Do not travel to areas which are waterlogged, as these places are breeding grounds for various kinds of bacteria and viruses.
• Do not apply any medicated eye drops to the eyes without a doctor’s prescription.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup to keep the chances of infection on the lower side.
• Wash and clean your makeup applicators frequently.
• Wash your face with clean water.

Also Read: How to Clean Your Eyes Safely and Maintain Healthy Eyes

Contact Lens Care During Monsoon

Wearing contact lenses during the monsoon requires extra care, as high humidity and exposure to contaminated water significantly increase the risk of serious eye infections, including corneal infections.

The tips below may help you to keep your eyes safe:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling or removing contact lenses.
• Clean and disinfect reusable lenses only with the lens care solution recommended by your eye care professional. Never use tap water, rainwater, or saliva to clean or store lenses.
• Replace your contact lens case every three months and allow it to air dry after each use.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming.
• Avoid sleeping while wearing contact lenses unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight use. 
• Stop wearing your lenses immediately if you develop redness, pain, excessive watering, discharge, or blurred vision, and consult an ophthalmologist.

Avoid swimming in public pools during monsoon. Contact lens use should also be minimised. Follow strict hand hygiene. Monsoon is the time when viral infections are at their peak.

Dr. Gitanjali Sharma Bose ,MBBS, MS Ophthalmology

Foods Known to Support Eye Health

• Carrots⁶
• Amla
• Red peppers⁷
• Almonds⁸
• Leafy greens⁸
• Fish⁸
• Eggs
• Tomatoes⁸
• Nuts and seeds⁸

Do’s and Don’ts for Eye Infections During Monsoon

The Do’s

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching your face or eyes.
• Apply a clean, damp cloth soaked in cool water to your closed eyes to soothe irritation and reduce swelling.
• Keep your towels, pillowcases, and cosmetics separate from others to help prevent the spread of infection.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or worsen.

The Don’ts

• Do not rub your eyes
• Avoid using over-the-counter steroid eye drops unless prescribed by a doctor, as they may worsen certain viral or fungal infections.
• Avoid rinsing your eyes with tap water, rainwater, or other untreated water, as they may contain microorganisms that increase the risk of infection. Or, if you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses immediately at the first sign of eye irritation until the eye is completely healed.
• Avoid waiting for symptoms to resolve.

When to See a Doctor?

While mild eye irritation can occur during the monsoon, you should consult an ophthalmologist promptly  if you experience any of the following warning signs:

• Eye redness accompanied by moderate to severe pain.
• Blurred vision, reduced vision, or sudden changes in eyesight.
• Severe or persistent sensitivity to light (photophobia). 
• Symptoms that do not improve within a few days or continue to worsen despite supportive care.
• A painful red eye if you wear contact lenses, as this may indicate a more serious eye infection.
• Fever, severe headache, or swelling around the eye along with eye symptoms.

Note: Avoid self-medicating with antibiotic or steroid eye drops, as the appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of the eye problem.

Conclusion

Eye flu cases are on the rise due to monsoons. With good hygiene and the above-stated measures, one may reduce the risk of catching viral eye infections. Now that you are aware of other possible eye problems, which are also common during monsoons, never self-medicate. To be uber careful, make sure you take precautionary measures and try to steer clear of eye infections in monsoon and consult an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) the moment you experience any discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Singh B, Pant K. Eye flu, sign symptoms, prevention and control from infection. Int J Med Allied Health Sci. 2023;3(2):30-32. doi:10.54618/IJMAHS.2023322. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378509976_Eye_Flu_Sign_Symptoms_Prevention_and_Control_from_Infection
2. Pippin MM, Le JK. Bacterial conjunctivitis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. Updated 2023 Aug 17. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546683/
3. Cleveland Clinic. Stye (Sty): What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; 2026 Jan 6 [cited 2026 Jul 8]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17658-stye
4. Cleveland Clinic. Allergic conjunctivitis: Causes, symptoms & treatment [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; 2024 Aug 7 [cited 2026 Jul 8]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/allergic-conjunctivitis
5. Golden MI, Meyer JJ, Zeppieri M, Patel BC. Dry Eye Syndrome. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. Updated 2024 Feb 29 [cited 2026 Jul 8]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470411/
6. Edeh AT, Abdulkareem TT, Fajemisin EA. The nutraceutical potential of carrot carotenoids in chronic eye defects (CEDs): A review. SSRN Electron J. 2021. doi:10.2139/ssrn.3885012. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353815004_The_Nutraceutical_potential_of_Carrots_carotenoids_in_Chronic_Eyes_Defects_CEDs_A_Review
7. Sight Research UK. Red peppers [Internet]. London: Sight Research UK; [cited 2026 Jul 8]. Available from: https://sightresearchuk.org/about-sight/preserving-your-sight/best-foods-for-eye-health/red-peppers/
8. Helen M Rasmussen, Elizabeth J Johnson. Nutrients for the aging eye. PMCID: PMC3693724 PMID: 23818772. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3693724/
9. Gurnani B, Guier CP, Patel BC. Hordeolum (Stye). In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Updated 2024 Dec 11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459349/

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