For a majority of individuals, the monsoon season is a much-welcomed respite from the unbearable heat of summer. However, as the weather gets cooler, your body undergoes several changes, and sometimes, not for the better. If you have experienced your eyes becoming watery, irritated, itchy or simply uncomfortable during the monsoon, you are not alone.
While dry eye syndrome is often linked to hot weather, it can also occur during the monsoon. Seasonal changes, fluctuating humidity levels, moving between humid outdoor conditions and air-conditioned indoor environments, increased exposure to allergens, and prolonged screen time can all affect the tear film that protects your eyes.
What is dry eye disease?
According to Dr Amod Nayak, Aggarwal Eye Hospital, Whitefield, the surface of the eye is protected by a delicate tear film made up of three layers: oily, watery and mucous. Together, these layers lubricate the eyes, maintain clear vision and protect against infections.
Dry eye disease develops when this tear film becomes unstable, either because the eyes don't produce enough tears or because tears evaporate too quickly. One of the most common causes is dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer that prevents excessive tear evaporation.
"Although higher outdoor humidity during the monsoon may seem beneficial, frequent environmental changes, indoor air-conditioning, allergens, dust and pollution can destabilise the tear film and aggravate symptoms, particularly in individuals with pre-existing dry eye disease," explains Dr Nayak.
Signs your eyes may be dry
Dry eye symptoms aren't always limited to dryness. In fact, excessive watering can also be a sign that your eyes are struggling to stay lubricated.
According to Dr Nayak, common symptoms include:
- A dry, gritty or sandy sensation
- Burning or stinging eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Excessive watering
- Blurred vision that improves after blinking
- Eye fatigue after reading or using digital devices
- Increased sensitivity to light
These symptoms often become more noticeable after prolonged screen time or spending hours in air-conditioned environments.
Tips to keep your eyes safe during the monsoon season
The good news is that a few simple steps can help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
Practice proper eye hygiene
Don't rub your eyes, as this can worsen irritation and increase the risk of infection. During the monsoon, it is especially important to wash your hands before touching your eyes because eye infections become more common.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Looking at screens reduces your blinking rate, causing tears to evaporate more quickly. Dr Nayak advises following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and encourages regular blinking.
Drink enough water
Proper hydration helps your body produce adequate tears, although it may not be enough to manage chronic dry eye disease.
Keep your eyes safe outdoors
Using an umbrella or protective glasses can reduce exposure to dust, dirt and other environmental irritants during the monsoon.
How to use lubricating eye drops properly
Lubricating eye drops may provide relief from dry eyes. However, Dr Nayak recommends using them only after consulting an ophthalmologist if you need them frequently. He also advises against self-medicating with redness-relieving eye drops, as they may worsen the condition.
Contact lens users should take extra care
Individuals who wear contact lenses should follow proper cleaning and replacement schedules during the monsoon to reduce the risk of eye infections.
Dry eyes or eye allergy? Know the difference
Both dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis can cause redness and watery eyes, making it difficult to tell them apart.
Dr Nayak says intense itching is more commonly associated with allergies. Since treatment differs, persistent symptoms should always be evaluated by an eye care professional instead of relying on over-the-counter remedies.
When should you see a doctor?
Mild irritation during seasonal changes is common, but persistent symptoms should never be ignored.
"Persistent dryness, prominent redness, eye pain, eye discharge, increasing sensitivity to light or blurred vision should be evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis enables better management of dry eye disease and helps prevent long-term damage to the ocular surface," says Dr Nayak.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice
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