Useful tips for healthy eyes this Summer

It’s time for all of us to take care of our eyes, protecting them from ultraviolet rays, as the rise in temperature and suspended dust particles, pollutants in the air, etc., make our eyes vulnerable to contracting allergies. Itching, redness, burning sensation and eye dryness are the common symptoms we see in summer. UV intensity index touching UV 12 in various cities in India, is a very dangerous sign for the eyes. UV radiation on the eye causes photo keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea and iris, and photo conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids. Dr.Tandava Krishnan, Senior Consultant, MaxivisionSuper Speciality Eye Hospitals, Madhapur, Hyderabad, gives tips in summer for better eye care.

Q1.  What are the ways summer heat harms the eyes?

The UV rays from the sun result in damage to the cornea, lens and the retina. The dry heat during summer also aggravates a condition called vernal or allergic conjunctivitis which causes itching, watering of eyes and foreign body sensation. It also results in dry eyes.

Q2. How are the UV rays harmful to the eyes?

The UV rays result in damage to the layers of the cornea called photo keratitis. It results in redness, watering of eyes, burning sensation of eyes and difficulty while looking at light (photophobia). UV rays also accelerate cataract formation and cause damage to retina resulting in macular degeneration.

Q3. What are the effective summer tips for eyes?

•         Keep yourselves hydrated

•         Avoid venturing out during peak hours of daytime (10 am to 4 pm)

•         Wear a hat or use an umbrella when you have to venture out in the peak hours

•         Wear a good quality sun glasses while venturing out

•         While applying sun screen lotions avoid applying them too close to the eyes to prevent chemical injury

•         Splash water on your eyes regularly

•         Use cold ice packs or freshly sliced cucumbers to soothe the eyes

•         In case of redness, watering, itching or foreign body sensation or photophobia, visit your Ophthalmologist.

Q4. What is eye sunburn and how to take protection against it?

Eye sunburns are the damage to the black part of the eyes called cornea. It results in redness, watering of eyes, burning sensation of eyes and difficulty while looking at light (photophobia). It can be prevented by using good quality sunglasses. In case of any symptoms, it is advisable to visit your Ophthalmologist.

Q5.  What kind of Sunglasses should be used?

Sunglasses must be of a good quality having both UV A and UV B blocking property. To reduce the glare effect, the glasses must also be polarised. The glasses must be large and must also cover the sides of the eyes to ensure protection from light entering the eyes from the sides.

Q6. Please suggest a few tips for those wearing glasses?

•         Store the glasses in a safe place away from physical harm when not in use

•         Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the glasses to clear any smudges

•         Always ensure that the lens does not touch any other object in order to prevent scratches. Ideally, the lens is best stored wrapped in a lint-free cloth.