Cases of eye allergies and conjunctivitis on the rise

PUNE: Summer heat has sent cases of eye allergies, dry eye and pink eyes or viral conjunctivitis rising in the city.
Eye surgeons in Pune have been receiving over 10-15 cases every day since the beginning of this month, which is way too high compared with cases of eye ailments observed during the same period last year.
“Eye-related ailments are at a record high this summer. Especially, dry eye disorder and allergies,” said eye surgeon Vardhaman Kankariya of Asian Eye Hospital.
Elaborating further, Kankariya said, “Dehydration is common during summer.It does not only leads to lack of water content in our bodies but also causes dry and irritable eyes. Dehydration causes incapability of the tear glands to produce enough tears to keep our eyes moist. Therefore, it is a must to drink plenty of water in summer.”
“In most cases, children have demonstrated severe allergies requiring medical management,” he said.
Senior eye surgeon Madan Deshpande of H V Desai Eye Hospital in Hadapsar said, “Viral conjunctivitis is common in addition to allergic conjunctivitis. Ensuring good sleep and using mild anti-allergic drops as well as lubricants are enough for most patients.”
Eye surgeon Ramesh Murthy said, “The sudden surge in temperature crossing 40 degrees Celsius mark has led to recurrence of the allergy this month. This is possibly related to release of pollen during spring and early summer, which incites allergies.”
Eye surgeon Jeevan Ladi said, “When the temperature crosses 40 degrees Celsius, UV rays are more threatening to the eyes. Summer season is a time to take extra precaution as allergic disorders of the eye often flare up during this season.”
“Frequent rubbing of the eyes either due to itching or otherwise with unclean hands can lead to eye infections and boils over eyelids, known as sties. Those travelling by public transport need to be extra careful and also ensure that they do not come in direct contact with any infected person,” Ladi said.
This is also a time when children and adults go for swimming . However, because of poor hygiene and untreated water, it can cause infectious eye problems.