Heat and the high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air make our eyes prone to allergic reactions (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
As the temperature continues to soar, we ensure to take care of our health, skin and hair. However, we often miss paying attention to one of the most important parts of the body affected by the summer heat – our eyes. Just like our skin and health undergo immense pressure in summers, so do our eyes.
According to Dr Tushar Grover, Medical Director, Vision Eye Centre, New Delhi, “The sun’s scorching heat is extremely harmful to the eyes. Summertime exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts and retinal damage.”
“It can also cause eye allergies, which range from mild itching and redness to severe watering and swelling of the eyelids, sties, and bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. Excessive heat exposure can result in ocular burns, cataracts, macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness), and cancer,” he added.
Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is essential. (Source: Pixabay)
This is mainly due to the fact that the heat and the high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air make our eyes prone to allergic reactions such as redness, itching and burning sensation, explained Dr Chikirsha Jain, Senior Consultant Retina and Ophthalmology, Ujala Cygnus Rainbow Hospital, Agra.
How to take care of your eyes during the summer season?
Taking care of your eyes is just as important in the summer as it is the rest of the year, shared Dr Grover. “You should still follow the same eye care precautions.”
*Wash your hands before handling contact lenses and wearing protective eyewear when participating in certain sports and activities.
*Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is essential. “Sunglasses are still recommended even if your contact lenses have UV protection built-in because they protect the surrounding eye area and act as a barrier between your eyes and the summer heat, preventing dry eye,” he said.
*During the summer season, dehydration is more likely, affecting your body’s ability to produce tears. So, it’s critical to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Dr Jain added: “If one does not use proper eye protection from the sun, dry eyes can develop as the tear film on the eye can evaporate more quickly.”
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FAQs
Dryness and Irritation
Dry eye symptoms can worsen during summer due to higher temperatures and lower humidity. This may cause sensations of grittiness, burning, or a feeling of foreign body sensation in the eye.
How does hot weather affect your eyes? ›
Dryness and Irritation
Dry eye symptoms can worsen during summer due to higher temperatures and lower humidity. This may cause sensations of grittiness, burning, or a feeling of foreign body sensation in the eye.
Can heating cause eye problems? ›
Cranking up your central heating can also trigger conjunctival hyperaemia (blood shot eyes). Beat dry eye this winter by reducing the setting on your central heating, protecting your eyes from the wind; avoiding car heaters, particularly at face level and sitting away from direct heat such as gas or electric fires.
How can I protect my eyes from hot weather? ›
From proper eye protection to swimming best practices, we are sharing eight tips to follow for summer eye safety.
- Sunglasses with Complete Ultraviolet Protection. ...
- Avoid Sunburned Eyes. ...
- Keep Your Eyes Moisturized. ...
- Follow Swimming Best Practices. ...
- Wear Eye Protection While Working Outside. ...
- Keep Sunscreen Out of Your Eyes.
While sunglasses or goggles offer the first line of defence it is always better to wear a sun hat or visor for that extra protection. After all you need to shade your eyes from the rays of the sun. It is not a bad idea to wear sport sunglasses during overcast or cloudy weather.
Can heat exhaustion cause eye problems? ›
Heat exhaustion symptoms may include: Dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision and headache.
What does heat do for your eyes? ›
How do warm compresses help dry eyes? Warm compresses provide a hydrating and soothing relief to dry eyes. The heat from the warm compress helps to open the meibomian glands to improve oil gland function, increase oil flow into the eyes, stabilize the tear film, and slow down tear evaporation.
How can I reduce my eye heat naturally? ›
Home Remedies for Burning Eyes
- Using lukewarm water, rinse your eyelids. ...
- Soak a cloth in warm water, then place it over closed eyes for a few minutes several times per day.
- Increase your water intake to keep your eyes moist and prevent dryness. ...
- Take a break from the computer and rest your eyes.
Wear Sunglasses and a Brimmed Hat
A wide brimmed hat or cap will block about half of UV rays. A brimmed hat or cap can also limit UV rays that hit the eyes from above or around glasses. Eyewear that absorbs UV rays gives you the most protection.
How do you keep your eyes cool and healthy? ›
How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
- Eat Well.
- Quit Smoking.
- Wear Sunglasses.
- Use Safety Eyewear.
- Look Away From the Computer Screen.
- Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, including collagen found in the cornea of the eye. Vitamin C also supports the health of blood vessels in the eye.
Is heat or cool better for eyes? ›
The warmth improves blood flow to the area and helps relax muscles. “Heat also helps open the glands in the lower lid, releasing built-up oils that normally coat the surface of the eye,” says Dr. Ericksen. That's why warm compresses are so effective at treating the symptoms of dry eye and styes.
Why does heat make vision weird? ›
An increase in body temperature, such as with a hot shower or exercise, transiently decreases myelin conduction through an affected optic nerve, causing transient visual symptoms. C. During eye movement, the position of the optic nerve head within the orbit shifts from one side to the other.
What are the symptoms of heat eyes? ›
Symptoms often include eye redness, a feeling of heaviness, a gritty feeling in the eyes, or even sensitivity to light.
Can hot weather increase eye pressure? ›
Impact of heat on intraocular pressure
Research indicates that intraocular pressure can fluctuate with changes in weather and temperature. A study published in the Journal of Glaucoma found that IOP tends to be lower in warmer temperatures and higher during colder months.
Does temperature affect vision? ›
Cold temperatures cause the blood vessels in the eyes to constrict, and this can cause your vision to become blurry. In extreme cases, you may even see double. This is most likely to happen after you've spent several hours outdoors in freezing temperatures.
Heat and the high levels of pollutants and irritants in the air make our eyes prone to allergic reactions (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is essential. (Source: Pixabay)
