How Heatwaves Damage Your Eye Health And What You Can Do (Credits: Pexels)
As the temperature climbs up for most parts of the country, a lot of states are issuing heatwave alerts and urging people to stay inside the house. Heatwaves don’t just affect your skin and body but cause serious risk to your eyes as well.
With the global temperatures rising faster than ever, heatwaves are bound to cause dehydration and heatstroke faster than ever. Often the heatwaves make it to the headlines for these along with skin issues but now the impact has gotten much more worse as studies find that extreme heat causes damage to our eyes as well.
According to experts, our eyes are vulnerable to temperature shifts and suffer more so during intense heat spells. From dry eyes, to UV-induced damage, our eyes are susceptible to increased chances of infection and ignoring the consequences of eye care during the heat wave can be long term as well.
Dry eyes
During a heatwave the air becomes hotter and also drier. The moisture from the eyes evaporates and leads to a condition called dry eye syndrome. And we may think that sitting in the AC can be a saviour but it makes matters worse.
UV radiation
Continuous exposure to UV radiation can also cause Photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), Pinguecula and Pterygium (abnormal growths on the eye), and accelerated development of cataracts and macular degeneration. And these are not just temporary issues, they leave long-term damage.
Allergies
Heatwave doesn’t move alone, it brings a party of friends. These are pollutants and allergens that cause itching, watering, puffiness and eye fatigue.
Infections
There is also a heightened risk of infections that cause bacterial growth, especially around the eyelids and eyelashes. This can lead to styes, conjunctivitis, or fungal infections in extreme cases.
What can you do?
- Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
- Keep yourself hydrated all the time
- Use lubricating eye drops to maintain moisture in the eyes
- Avoid sun during peak hours
- Make sure to use protective eyewear in harsh conditions
