Can Heatwave Affect Your Eyes? Here's what experts say
By Lokmat English Desk | Published: May 1, 2022 08:30 PM2022-05-01T20:30:33+5:302022-05-01T20:30:33+5:30
Next 
As large parts of India see extreme temperatures, experts have sounded alarm bells about eye infections that the ongoing heatwave may cause.
Infections caused by exposure to high temperatures range from mild itching and redness to conjunctivitis, sties, and a greater risk of cataract from unprotected exposure of sun's ultra-violet rays.
Besides heat, high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air also pose a challenge. The symptoms may include itchiness, redness of the eyes or a burning sensation.
Dr Chikirsha Jain, a senior consultant at Agra's Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital told PTI, "Our eyes become sensitive during summer, so it is essential to protect them. Even if you are wearing contact lenses, wearing eyeglasses can protect your eyes.”
In case one does not use proper eye protection, they can also develop dry eyes as the tear film in the eye can evaporate more quickly. If left untreated, the condition may lead to eye inflammation.
Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis India, said, "Exposure to sun's ultraviolet rays during the summer months can increase the risk of various eye conditions, reiterating the imperativeness of regular eye examinations. As schools have reopened now, eye examination must be considered as a mandate in school readiness.
You should also be careful with your glasses and may wear them in the sun even if you use contact lenses. A report in The Times of India noted, "Gray-coloured lenses reduce light intensity without altering the colour of objects, providing the most natural colour vision. See a sunglass lens on how much UV radiation it absorbs."
