Keep an eye on your eyes in this heat, say doctors

With temperatures soaring Mumbai ophthalmologists and retina specialists say ldquoprotect your eyesrdquo as they caution citizens to be mindful of dry eye syndrome redness of eyes conjunctivitis and other eye allergies especially in those with underlying health problems like hypertension and diabetes or people under treatment for macular degeneration issues Experts say eye strain can be reduced by cutting down on screen time and mobile phone usageMumbai Heatwave Elderly patients developing underlying health problemsDr Anand Subramanyam a Matungabased retina specialist confirmed that a rise in temperature has an adverse impact on the health of every living being including animals and birds With a heat wave warning issued by the BMC and meteorological department I already have elderly patients with underlying health problems complaining of dry eye syndrome redness of eyes and subconjunctival haemorrhage SCH and are also suffering from agerelated macular degenerationrdquo Dr Anand saidWhen asked to elaborate on SCH he said ldquoWhen small blood vessels under the conjunctiva a thin clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelids breaks due to eye pressure it causes subconjunctival haemorrhage which happens in few extreme cases especially if an elderly person is under treatment for agerelated macular degeneration It is more common in hypertensive people and diabeticsrdquoDoctors have said it is necessary to seek medical help in case of a heatrelated eye condition Representation picRegarding precautions to protect the eyes amid the Mumbai Heatwave Dr Anand said ldquoIt is better to avoid direct sunlight Avoid going out if possible between 11 am to 4 pm wear Ultra Violet UV protection sunglasses and wear a hatcover the head and eyes from direct sunlight Also stay hydrated Drink plenty of water and wash your face often Avoid contact lenses and give adequate rest to your eyesrdquo These are basic things that can be made a routine he addedEffect of global warmingDr Karobi Lahiri Coutinho consultant vitreo retinal surgeon Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences said ldquoHigh temperatures lead to dehydration and the eye being an exposed part of the body it gets affected adversely Tear film evaporation leads to dryness of the eye resulting in irritation pricking watering burning redness pain and a decrease in vision when exposed to white screens air conditioning cooking fumes strong winds and dust The use of lubricant drops gels and other modalities of dryness prevention is advised Rubbing of the eyes due to such irritations leads to redness and conjunctivitis due to contamination allergic conjunctivitis or SCHrdquoAccording to Dr Karobi exposure to UV rays can cause corneal photokeratitis and if prolonged then cataracts macular degeneration and lid swelling ldquoHemoconcentration due to dehydration can cause vascular occlusions or eye stroke in laymanrsquos terms Existing eye problems like glaucoma and dry eyes worsen heat and dust on the road also cause a miragelike effect which can reduce visibility with consequent accidents Dryness due to high temperatures coupled with prolonged white screen exposure compounds the problemrdquo said Dr KarobiDr Karobi Lahiri Coutinho Bombay HospitalIn Maharashtra Pune experiences the highest temperatures but as per the public health department a fivefold decrease has been recorded in the incidence of heat strokes this year as compared to last year Dr Karobi saidAt Dr R N Cooper Hospital Vile Parle Dr Charuta Mandke associate professor and head of the ophthalmology department said ldquoWith the heat already rising in March and set to rise further as the summer sets in we are witnessing an increase in the number of cases with dry eyes redness reflexive watering irritation and eye strain In case of such symptoms consult the nearest ophthalmologist and adhere to prescribed lubricants as advisedrdquo Dr Charuta advised against the use of overthecounter eye drops for selftreatmentEye issues due to heat Dry eyes Evaporative dry eyes with redness reflexive watering irritation and eye strain In case of symptoms consult ophthalmologist refrain from selftreatment Recurrent stye Caused by constant rubbing of eye due to an infection especially seen as temperatures rise If irritation persists consult an ophthalmologist take appropriate treatment with antibiotics Cataract and macular degeneration Seen especially in elders with a drop in vision must consult ophthalmologistldquoWe have not come across conjunctivitis cases but expect to see them once summer sets in It is crucial to ensure that the Dorsquos and Donrsquots are strictly followed to prevent eyerelated issuesrdquo said Dr CharutaAt Rajawadi Hospital Ghatkopar East Dr Jigisha Sharma head of ophthalmology said ldquoDue to the soaring heat cases of dry eyes and related conditions are on a rise At Rajawadi Hospital too the ophthalmology OPD has been seeing an increase in the number of patients with symptoms of dry eyes and associated allergic conditions and eye infectionsrdquoPrecautions recommended Drink plenty of water and remain hydrated 35 mlkg of body weight Avoid travelling outdoors when the heat is at its peak 11 am 4 pm Use sunscreens UV sunglasses caps and umbrellas when venturing out Use lubricant dropsgel for the eye dosage as per dryness index Warm compresses and massage to clear meibomian gland block consume oral preparations to combat severe dry eye punctal occlusions Take frequent breaks from the screen 202020 rule for those who have long hours of digital work Take a minute break every hour to drink water put tear emollient drops and walk around which achieves 4 goalsmdashimproves hydration moistens eyes does away digital eye strain and improves blood circulation Use cold compresses and ice packs to provide relief to strained eyes Wash face and hands frequently and avoid touching and rubbing of your eyes Moderate intake of alcoholAs told by Dr Karobi Lahiri Coutinho Dr Jigisha Sharmaand Dr Charuta Mandke