Despite the humidity associated with monsoons, many individuals experience dry eye symptoms during this season. This paradox is often attributed to increased indoor time, exposure to air conditioning and fans that accelerate tear evaporation, and reduced blinking rates from prolonged screen usage. The damp environment also contributes by promoting the growth of allergens like mold spores and dust fungi, which can irritate the eyes and trigger allergic conjunctivitis. To maintain eye comfort, it is advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule, consciously blink more often, avoid direct airflow from AC vents, use lubricating eye drops as prescribed, stay hydrated, consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and practice good eye hygiene. Persistent eye discomfort, such as burning, stinging, blurred vision, or excessive watering, warrants a consultation with an ophthalmologist for appropriate diagnosis and management.

Despite the humidity associated with monsoons, many individuals experience dry eye symptoms during this season. This paradox is often attributed to increased indoor time, exposure to air conditioning and fans that accelerate tear evaporation, and reduced blinking rates from prolonged screen usage. The damp environment also contributes by promoting the growth of allergens like mold spores and dust fungi, which can irritate the eyes and trigger allergic conjunctivitis. To maintain eye comfort, it is advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule, consciously blink more often, avoid direct airflow from AC vents, use lubricating eye drops as prescribed, stay hydrated, consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and practice good eye hygiene. Persistent eye discomfort, such as burning, stinging, blurred vision, or excessive watering, warrants a consultation with an ophthalmologist for appropriate diagnosis and management.

Despite the humidity associated with monsoons, many individuals experience dry eye symptoms during this season. This paradox is often attributed to increased indoor time, exposure to air conditioning and fans that accelerate tear evaporation, and reduced blinking rates from prolonged screen usage. The damp environment also contributes by promoting the growth of allergens like mold spores and dust fungi, which can irritate the eyes and trigger allergic conjunctivitis. To maintain eye comfort, it is advised to follow the 20-20-20 rule, consciously blink more often, avoid direct airflow from AC vents, use lubricating eye drops as prescribed, stay hydrated, consume a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and practice good eye hygiene. Persistent eye discomfort, such as burning, stinging, blurred vision, or excessive watering, warrants a consultation with an ophthalmologist for appropriate diagnosis and management.

Monsoons are synonymous with cool breezes, cloudy skies and pleasant weather. We naturally assume that increased humidity in the air would provide relief from dryness and irritation of the eyes. However, this is not the case; surprisingly, many people continue to experience dry eye symptoms during the rainy season.

Tears are essential not only to lubricate the eyes but also to maintain clear vision and protect them from infections. Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or tears evaporate too quickly, resulting in poor lubrication of the eye surface.

Why do dry eyes occur more during monsoons?

The rains in monsoon season often keep people indoors for longer periods, where they are exposed to ceiling fans, prolonged screen time and air conditioners.

Ceiling fans and air conditioners cause rapid evaporation of tears because of lowering room humidity. Excessive screen time on laptops, TVs, tablets and smartphones reduces the blink rate by half. This causes inadequate spread of tears, which in turn leads to dryness, burning and eye fatigue.

Ironically, dryness of the eyes leads to excessive watering. Damp conditions in monsoons also encourage the growth of allergens like mold spores and dust fungi, which irritate the eyes and can lead to allergic conjunctivitis. Allergy and dry eyes often occur together.

How to keep eyes comfortable during monsoons

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and frequently, especially while working on digital devices. Avoid direct AC exposure: keep eyes away from direct air conditioner vents.

Use lubricating eye drops as recommended by an ophthalmologist. Stay hydrated and eat well: maintain a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in flax seeds, fish and similar sources, to support a healthier tear film.

Practice good eye hygiene: avoid rubbing the eyes, maintain good eyelid hygiene, and avoid wearing contact lenses for long periods.

When to see a doctor

Don't ignore persistent symptoms. If you experience burning, stinging, blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive watering, or a constant gritty sensation for more than a few weeks, consult an ophthalmologist.

Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that can significantly affect quality of life, but it is highly manageable with the right diagnosis and treatment.

(The author is a consultant ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Virar)

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.

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