Eye Care Tips for the Season//Dr Nitin Batra*

'Red Eye' can either be due to allergens

Courtesy Sketch 

Summer season makes its appearance in end March with daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degree Celsius. When things begin to heat up, many suffer from itching, burning, and watering of the eyes especially May onwards.

DR. Nitin Batra

A clear, thin membrane called the conjunctiva covers our eyeball and the inside of our eyelids. If something irritates this covering, our eyes may become red and swollen. Our eyes may itch or even hurt and they may water also. Conjunctivitis, therefore, is the term given to an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.
This 'red eye' can either be due to allergens, called 'allergic conjunctivitis', or due to infections- 'infectious conjunctivitis' which can be viral or bacterial. This can also involve the central transparent structure of the eye ball- the Cornea which may lead to corneal inflammation known as Keratitis. The causative agents can be allergens like pollen, hay particles and animal fur in the surroundings which essentially takes place during the summers. Another common eye problem encountered in this season is Dry Eyes, which is manifested in the form of severe grittiness, irritation, redness and watering of the eyes.
It is advisable not to self medicate with over the counter medications in these conditions as they may lead to severe complications. Maintaining hygiene, staying indoors and routine eye checkups are advisable in this season.

*Dr Nitin Batra is the Prof & Head of the Department
Department of Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College and Hospital
Dr Nitin Batra has done a fellowship in Manual SICS from Venu Eye Institute, New Delhi. His special interests are Community Ophthalmology, Anterior Segment, Research activities and teaching UG students. He has actively been involved with the National Blindness Surveys and SSU Project of the NPCB, Govt. of India, New Delhi, since 2001. He has been a member of the NPCB-WHO Expert Group on Trachoma in IndiaPh: 9988333556