Eye health: Heatwaves often lead to dehydration, which can reduce tear production and cause dry eyes.
Intense heat and UV exposure can lead to sunburn of the eye and worsen dry eye syndrome.
Dehydration reduces tear production, increasing dryness and discomfort.
Story continues below Advertisement Remove AdKeep your eyes moisturised: Heatwaves often lead to dehydration, which can reduce tear production and cause dry eyes.
This practice helps reduce eye strain and gives your eyes a chance to rest and recover.
Eye health: Heatwaves often lead to dehydration, which can reduce tear production and cause dry eyes. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day
Heatwaves can harm eye health, causing dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. Intense heat and UV exposure can lead to sunburn of the eye and worsen dry eye syndrome. Dehydration reduces tear production, increasing dryness and discomfort. High pollen counts can trigger allergic reactions, making eyes red, itchy, and watery.
During the hotter months you may experience an "eye stroke”. Says Dr Navneet Bohra, Ophthalmologist, Ananta Institute Of Medical Sciences, Rajsamand, “Eye stroke is when heat-induced blood clots form on the retina, disrupting oxygen flow and leading to retina damage. This emphasises the critical importance of proper eye care during hot weather.” He adds that the extreme temperatures and UV radiation during heatwaves can lead to several eye conditions, including:
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Dry eye syndrome: High temperatures and dehydration reduce tear production, leading to dryness, irritation, and a gritty sensation.
Eye allergies: Heatwaves often coincide with higher pollen counts, which can trigger allergic reactions, causing red, itchy, and watery eyes.
Stye: A common issue arising from heat exposure is the development of a stye; a small, painful, red lump that typically emerges from the base of the eyelash or under the eyelid. This condition can cause discomfort and requires attention to reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.
Photokeratitis: This is essentially a sunburn of the eye, caused by excessive UV exposure. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurriness, and even temporary vision loss.
Dr Bohra suggests 7 effective tips to protect your eyes from the harsh rays and the above eye conditions:
Wear UV blocking sunglasses: Just like you protect your skin with sunscreen, shielding your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is also important. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Invest in high-quality sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarised lenses are a bonus as they reduce glare, making it easier to see on bright days.
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Keep your eyes moisturised: Heatwaves often lead to dehydration, which can reduce tear production and cause dry eyes. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can also help maintain moisture levels in your eyes, providing relief from dryness and irritation.
Limit exposure to AC: While air conditioning provides much-needed relief from the heat, it can also dry out the air and your eyes. To deal with this, avoid sitting directly in front of air vents and consider using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air. Taking breaks from air-conditioned environments can also help maintain your eyes’ natural moisture balance.
Watch what you eat: Your diet plays a significant role in eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc can help reduce the risk of age-related vision problems and keep your eyes healthy. Include plenty of leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits into your meals to give your eyes the nutrients they need to combat heatwave-induced stress.
Practice eye hygiene: Wash your hands frequently. With increased outdoor activities during heatwaves, sweat and environmental pollutants can easily irritate your eyes. It can introduce bacteria and cause infections like conjunctivitis or styes. Wearing a hat or cap with a brim can also provide additional protection against the sun and reduce the amount of sweat and debris that reaches your eyes.
Take a screen-break: Staring at digital screens for extended periods can exacerbate eye strain, especially in the heat. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps reduce eye strain and gives your eyes a chance to rest and recover.
Better safe than sorry: Regular visits to an eye care professional can help detect any heatwave-related eye issues early on. Avoid self medication. It can lead to improper treatment and worsen eye infections.
Don’t wait until minor irritations become major problems; proactive care is important.
