Look after your eyes when you walk out in the sun

Summer has its own set of infections that are spread rampantly if a proper lifestyle is not followed. Our eyes go through a great deal of stress and pressure, especially due to the summer sun that is bright and scorching. Cases of ocular diseases like conjunctivitis are reportedly heavily in the hot months and taking necessary precautions is of utmost importance.

Eyes are quite sensitive to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. In summer, prolonged exposure to UV modifies the lens proteins, leading to various problems like cataract formation and worsening eyesight. UV can also damage the retina with a high risk of cancer like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

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Dr Gopal S Pillai, Clinical Professor, Head of Opthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, told IndiaToday.in people should wear UV sunglasses to protect their eyes. This will also prevent dryness in the eyes, caused by the sun and more screen exposure.

"Dryness is a major problem in eye health these days, especially among children who study for a long time and those who are in front of the screens. Many people look at their screens for 8-14 hours a day which can cause extreme dryness. In summer, dryness is a feeling in which a person puts mud in their eyes and starts rubbing it in. It can cause your eyes then become red, irritated and watery," said Dr Gopal Pillai.

To prevent dry eyes, wash your eyes frequently, suggested Dr Pillai. "After about every few minutes, voluntarily, close your eyes tightly and then open them. Watch your eyes more often as it will help lubricate the eyeballs," he said.

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To combat dryness, use tear substitutes like eye drops as well. Dr Sarang Goel, Medical Director, Ayu Health Network of Hospitals, told IndiaToday.in that rehydration is important for eye health.

"Rehydration is extremely important in summer. Avoid any chance of dehydration as it can affect the eyes. While applying moisturiser, rub it around your eyes. Wear a hat when out in the sun or use an umbrella. Most importantly do not rub your eyes," said Dr Sarang Goel.

Another major problem in summer is ocular diseases like conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, cellulitis and stye, among others. Dr Pillai said that conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems in the hot months.

"Conjunctivitis spreads via human touch. Someone could use an infected towel or even a door knob that has been touched by an infected person. In a classroom, one child could infect another child if they have conjunctivitis. It's a viral infection, so it spreads rampantly," the expert said.

FOODS TO EAT FOR HEALTHY EYES

"Ideally, a healthy well balanced diet is essential for eye health along with that we must have antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamins C and E, Omega 3 and zinc. These help in preventing the development of serious eye conditions. Avoid unprocessed foods on a daily basis," Dietician Jyoti Khaniojh, Dietetics, Nutrition And Dietetics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi, told IndiaToday.in.

When we eat a meal plate, which is colourful like a rainbow, we get all sorts of antioxidants in our diet.

"Since our childhood, we have been taught that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Likewise, carrots are known to be best for the eyes. It is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin, which protects the eye against infections," Jyoti Khaniojh said.

Besides this, add lemon and citrus fruits to your diet for vitamin C intake. Nuts and seeds that contain vitamin E prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Salmon fish is a rich source of omega-3 and this healthy fat helps in prevent eye dryness as it is great for retina health.

Egg yolks contain vitamin A, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin and zinc, which help in age-related degeneration of eyes. Zinc helps in night improvement of night vision.