5 Common Eye Infections To Be Wary Of During The Monsoon And How To Avoid Them
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Eye infections are more common during the monsoon, most can be prevented with simple hygiene measures.
The most crucial measure anyone can take is to have their eyes routinely inspected by a trained eye care specialist.
The monsoon may bring much-needed relief from the intense summer heat, but it also comes with a higher risk of seasonal infections. Moist weather, high humidity, polluted air, dust and contaminated rainwater can make it easier for germs to spread, supported by simple everyday habits like rubbing the eyes, sharing towels, wearing poorly cleaned contact lenses or stepping out without eye protection, further increasing the risk. Dr RK Sachdev, Senior Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Dr Sachdev Maxivision Eye Hospitals, shares 5 eye infections to watch out for during the rainy season and simple ways to help prevent them:
Conjunctivitis
Monsson with it one of the most common eye infections – Conjunctivitis or commonly known as pink eye. It can make the eyes red, watery, itchy and swollen, followed by a sticky discharge. It can be due to a viral or bacterial infection or even allergies. Infectious conjunctivitis is contagious especially at home, school and workplace. Patients suffering from conjunctivitis are advised to use a separate towel, maintain proper hygiene and seek timely medical advice to prevent further spread.
Stye
A stye is a small, painful red lump on the eyelid, usually near the eyelashes. Sometimes it’s caused when bacteria get into an oil gland or a hair follicle around the eye. During monsoon, sweat, dust and pollution can block the glands near the eyelids, making styes more common. One of the easiest ways to prevent them is to keep the eyelids clean. A warm compress helps to relieve pain and swelling. Doctors advise to never pop or squeeze a stye as it makes the infection worse and may take longer to heal.
Keratitis
Keratitis is an infection or inflammation of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This is worse than the usual redness or itch and should not be ignored. It can make your eyes hurt, vision blurry, watery or sensitive to light and feel like something is stuck in them. Individuals who wear contact lenses should be particularly cautious during the monsoon season, as poor lens hygiene can significantly increase the risk of eye infections. It is advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses while travelling through waterlogged areas or during heavy rainfall. Eye care specialists also recommend never rinsing lenses with tap water, replacing lens solution regularly, and always storing lenses in a clean, well-maintained case.
Fungal Eye Infection
While fungal eye infections are relatively uncommon, they can become serious if left untreated. These infections may develop following an eye injury, particularly when contaminated water, mud, dust, or plant matter enters the eye. Common symptoms include redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, and persistent irritation. In some cases, rinsing the eye with clean water may not provide relief. A key mistake to avoid is self-medicating with over-the-counter eye drops without professional guidance. Certain medications, especially steroid-based eye drops, can worsen fungal infections and delay appropriate treatment.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the eyelids, particularly the area around the base of the eyelashes. It can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, redness, irritation, excessive tearing, crusting along the eyelid margins, and a persistent gritty or foreign-body sensation in the eyes. In some cases, patients may also experience sensitivity to light, dry eyes, or blurred vision. The condition often worsens during the monsoon season due to increased humidity, excessive sweating, oily skin, and the accumulation of dust, pollutants, and bacteria around the eyelids. Regularly cleaning the eyelid margins with a gentle lid cleanser or as advised by an eye specialist can help remove oil, debris, and bacterial build-up. Applying warm compresses may also help loosen crusts and improve the function of the oil glands in the eyelids.
How to Prevent it
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands, do not share personal items such as towels, eye drops, or makeup, and follow proper contact lens and eyelid care practices. Most importantly, avoid self-medication and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. The monsoon brings freshness to the season, but a little extra care can go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy and infection-free.
About the Author
Abigail Banerji is a Senior Sub Editor with News18’s English desk. She brings 6 years of experience across both print and digital newsrooms, spanning editorial planning, reportage, copy editing, conte…Read More
