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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.

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.

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.

4. Allergic Conjunctivitis

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

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.

Risk Factors for Eye Infections During Monsoon

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

Eye Care Tips During Monsoon

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:

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:

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

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

Do's and Don'ts for Eye Infections

The Do’s

The Don’ts

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:

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)

Can rain cause conjunctivitis?

Rain itself does not cause conjunctivitis. However, exposure to contaminated water, poor hand hygiene, and the increased spread of viruses and bacteria during the monsoon may raise the risk of eye infections.

Will an eye infection heal by itself?

Some mild viral eye infections and uncomplicated bacterial conjunctivitis may resolve on their own. However, symptoms such as significant pain, worsening redness, reduced vision, light sensitivity, contact lens use, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated promptly by an ophthalmologist, as treatment may be required.

Is rainwater good for the eyes?

No. Rainwater may contain dust, pollutants, and microorganisms that can irritate the eyes or increase the risk of infection, so it should not be used to wash the eyes.

How can I protect my eyes during the rainy season?

Maintain good hand hygiene, avoid rubbing your eyes, use clean contact lenses and personal items, wear protective eyewear when needed, and seek medical advice if you develop redness, pain, or vision changes.

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/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any change

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Importance of Eyes & Why We Should Take Care Of It

Introduction

There has been a drastic rise in the number of people suffering from vision impairments and eye problems due to digitalization and extreme working hours. This number is not restricted to the adult population but many kids and teenagers are also increasingly getting issues pertaining to vision.

In this health blog, we will understand all about eye care and health from Dr Leena Doshi, a leading ophthalmologist who specializes in cataracts and LASIK. She is among the panel of doctors at ONGC and is also serves as a medical officer conducting class I and II eye examinations for pilots. Dr Leena Doshi is an active participant in various live TV shows and eye health forums. She is also a part of the telemedicine team at Nanavati Super speciality Hospital.

Why Eye Care Is Important?

Our eyes help us to experience the world around us, making everyday tasks like reading, working, driving, and recognizing faces possible. With digital eye strain becoming increasingly common, as highlighted by Dr Doshi, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to our eye health. Taking simple preventive measures and getting regular eye check-ups can help detect problems early and reduce the risk of vision loss.

Did You Know?

  • Majority of the concerns I deal with are pertaining to symptoms related to digital eye strain that has gone up in recent times.
  • Taking a child to the eye doctor doesn’t necessarily mean he/she will get glasses. This is something all parents must clearly understand.
  • The number of hours people are putting into looking at screens has drastically gone up in recent times.

Common Causes of Eye Problems

Several lifestyle, environmental, and medical factors can affect eye health over time. Factors such as lifestyle habits, ageing, underlying medical conditions, and environmental exposure can all affect your vision over time. Understanding these common causes can help you take preventive steps and seek timely eye care.

Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain

digital eye strain

Digital eye strain doesn’t always feel dramatic at first it usually shows up as a cluster of mild but persistent symptoms after screen use2.

If these symptoms persist even after taking breaks and adjusting your screen setup, it’s worth getting your eyes checked.

Digital Eye Strain and Computer Vision Syndrome

In today’s active work life, digitalization has become inevitable and so has the stress on the eyes and vision. We are constantly exposed to digital gadgets and laptops on a daily basis. With even education going digital, your kids are now prone to eye impairments and vision disabilities. As a result, there has been a growth in the number of kids requiring optical assistance for their eyes as well. In order to prevent such complications at such an early stage, you need to ensure that your kids are regularly taken to an eye doctor and their eye health is constantly monitored.

The growing stress to the eyes due to excessive and prolonged exposure to laptop, tablets, mobile and computer screens leads to a condition called digital eye strain and it further complicates the computer vision syndrome. This syndrome occurs due to the repeated back-and-forth movement of your eyes as they constantly focus and refocus on the screen time2. Your eyes tend to become hypersensitive to changing images and fonts that tend to exhaust your eye muscles.

Who Should Get Regular Eye Check-ups?

Routine eye examinations are important for everyone, even if you have no noticeable vision problems. Routine eye examinations are important for everyone, even if you have no noticeable vision problems. Regular check-ups help detect eye diseases early, allowing timely treatment and better long-term vision outcomes.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some eye symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition and require immediate medical attention. Seeking timely care can help prevent permanent vision loss and improve treatment outcomes. If you experience any of the following warning signs, consult an eye doctor or visit the nearest emergency department without delay.

Age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy are very commonly diagnosed conditions in patients visiting an Ophthalmologist, identifying and reporting the symptoms like vision changes, painful eyes, and redness of the eyes is important for an early diagnosis.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

General Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

general tips  for eyes health

Eat at least 5 servings daily of fruits and vegetables, don’t smoke, take regular breaks while doing computer work and other tasks that mostly involve your eyes, wear your glasses, wear sunglasses when outdoors that protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Best Foods and Nutrients for Eye Health

Best Foods and Nutrients for Eye Health

A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy vision and supporting overall eye health. Certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help protect the eyes from oxidative damage and may reduce the risk of age-related eye conditions. In fact, large NIH-funded trials found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and lutein/zeaxanthin can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration by roughly a quarter5. Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your daily meals can help keep your eyes healthy over time.

Tip: Along with eating a nutrient-rich diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active, and scheduling regular eye examinations to support long-term eye health.

Common Myths and Facts About Eye Care

Myth

Facts

Conclusion

Your eyes are delicate, hardworking organs that deserve regular care and attention. While they’re naturally built to protect and adjust themselves, everyday factors like screen time, poor lighting, UV exposure, and long working hours can gradually wear on them. Therefore, following simple daily habits like the 20-20-20 rule, wearing UV protective sunglasses, and eating a nutrient-rich diet can go a long way in maintaining clear, comfortable vision.

It is also important to know when routine care isn’t enough and professional help is needed. Paying attention to warning signs, sudden vision changes, persistent pain, or unusual symptoms and acting early can help prevent complications and protect your long-term eye health.

Also Read: What Is Eye Strain and How Can You Reduce It in the Digital Age

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I get my eyes checked?

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year, even without symptoms. Children, older adults, and people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent check-ups6. Regular exams help catch problems early, before they affect vision.

Can too much screen time permanently damage my eyes?

Screen time itself doesn’t cause permanent structural damage, but it does contribute to eye strain, dryness, and fatigue10. Left unmanaged over years, poor screen habits can worsen existing conditions. Following healthy screen practices helps minimize long-term discomfort and risk1.

Why do my eyes feel dry and tired after screen time?

People blink far less often while looking at screens around 5 to 7 times a minute instead of the normal 15 according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and since blinking spreads a protective tear film over the eye, this drop is a major reason screens leave eyes feeling dry and fatigued1,12.

Why does diabetes affect eye health so much?

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease and is the leading cause of new blindness among working-age adults in the U.S., which is why regular eye exams are especially important if you have diabetes, not optional13.

References

  1. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Computers, Digital Devices and Eye Strain. aao.org: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/computer-usage
  2. American Optometric Association. Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain). aoa.org: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology. How to Choose the Best Sunglasses to Avoid Sun Damage. aao.org: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/sunglasses-3
  4. American Academy of Ophthalmology. The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. aao.org: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/sun
  5. National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH Study Confirms Benefit of Supplements for Slowing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AREDS/AREDS2): https://www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/nih-study-confirms-benefit-supplements-slowing-age-related-macular-degeneration
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disparities in Receipt of Eye Exams Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes, MMWR. cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6845a3.htm
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). How Smoking Can Contribute to Vision Loss and Blindness. fda.gov: https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/health-effects-tobacco-use/how-smoking-can-contribute-vision-loss-and-blindness
  8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PMC. Through the Smoke: An In-Depth Review on Cigarette Smoking and Its Impact on Ocular Health. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10676518/
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Eye Infections When Wearing Contacts. cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/prevention/index.html
  10. University of Utah Health. Can Reading in Low Light Harm Your Eyes? Top 10 Eye Health Myths Debunked. healthcare.utah.edu: https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2021/11/can-reading-low-light-harm-your-eyes-top-10-eye-health-myths-debunked
  11. Mayo Clinic Health System. Eye Health: Myths and Facts. mayoclinichealthsystem.org : https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/eye-health-myths-and-facts
  12. American Optometric Association. The Benefits of Blinking. aoa.org: https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/the-benefits-of-blinking
  13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disparities in Receipt of Eye Exams Among Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries with Diabetes United States, 2017, MMWR. cdc.gov: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6845a3.htm

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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