The rainy season may cool the air, but it also brings hidden risks for your eyes. Many people notice more itching, redness, or blurry vision during the monsoon months. While you might blame the weather itself, there’s actually more happening in the air than you realise. Humidity, pollen, and even mould can irritate your eyes, making them more prone to allergies, infections, or simply that constant gritty feeling.
Monsoon may bring relief from the heat, but it also stirs up a hidden storm for sensitive eyes. “Humidity rises in the rainy season, creating the perfect conditions for pollen, spores, and mould to thrive,” says Dr Nita Shah, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon at Aayush Eye Clinic with Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai. “These act as direct irritants for the conjunctiva, the sensitive surface of your eyes. It may cause redness, watering, itching, and a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. These can take hold quickly, especially if you already have dry eyes or are prone to allergies," she says.
Avoid rubbing your eyes:
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Dr Shah cautions that rubbing your eyes only worsens the irritation and can sometimes spread infection. “It’s common to see seasonal allergic rhinitis paired with these eye issues too, leading to even more watering and discomfort. Nevertheless, most of these symptoms can be avoided or managed with basic care and simple lifestyle adjustments,” she says.
Dr Shah suggests 10 easy ways to manage dry eyes and allergies during the rainy season
- Avoid known allergens: Stay away from dusty, smoky, or mouldy areas, and keep windows closed during high-pollen days to prevent allergens from entering your home and irritating your eyes.
- Keep surroundings dry: Humidity encourages mould growth indoors too. Air out rooms, use dehumidifiers, and fix leaky corners to lower fungal risks in your living space.
- Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses or clear glasses act as a barrier, shielding your eyes from airborne irritants like pollen, spores, and other allergens drifting around during the monsoon.
- Stay hydrated always: Dr Shah strongly recommends drinking enough water. “Hydration supports natural tear production and helps flush out allergens from your eyes,” she explains.
- Blink frequently: Blinking may sound simple, but it helps coat your eyes with fresh tears, clearing out allergens and reducing that scratchy, dry feeling many people get in humid weather.
- Use cold compresses: A clean, cool gel mask or chilled cotton pads on closed eyes offers instant relief from itching, redness, and swelling after outdoor exposure.
- Never share personal items: Avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs, sunglasses, or makeup, as infections like conjunctivitis spread fast during the monsoon, warns Dr Shah.
- Wash hands often: Frequent handwashing is one of the best defences against spreading eye infections. “Most eye conditions worsen when we accidentally touch or rub our eyes with unclean hands,” she says.
- Try lubricant eye drops: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can soothe dryness and reduce the constant urge to rub your eyes, especially if you’re indoors most of the day.
- Consult an eye doctor: Dr Shah stresses that persistent symptoms need medical attention. “Mild steroid or antihistamine eye drops may be needed, but only under a doctor’s care,” she advises.
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