Scorching heat giving rise to eye damage; doctors say cases up by 30%!

New Delhi: April hasn't even ended yet, but, the temperatures are already bordering their peak with the potential to rise further in the coming weeks.

As per reports, the brisk rise in mercury levels have given rise to eye infections and allergies, with local ophthalmologists witnessing a 30 percent spurt in cases.

Many doctors have thrown caution to the winds, while also pointing out the vision damaging effects of solar retinopathy, saying that direct exposure of eyes to sunlight may lead to permanent decrease in vision.

"Direct exposure to the light can cause development of pterygium (a growth on the cornea) and increase in cataract. Exposure to ultra-violet rays is higher during summer, especially midday. Use of sunglasses that provide UV protection can help in preventing damage to the eye," said Dr Vamshidhar, head of medical services (Telangana region) at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, the Times of India (TOI) reported.

Unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts and damaging the retina. It can also cause eye allergies that include mild itching and redness of the eyes to severe watering and swelling of eyelids, sties, bacterial and viral conjunctivitis.

To curb any kind of eye damage or complications, doctors also advised keeping the body well-hydrated, since dehydration causes a condition called 'dry-eyes', which is one of the most common cases during summer season.

"Dry eyes tend to get aggravated because of quick evaporation of the tear film. There is usually a spurt in cases of allergy, conjunctivitis, dry eyes and stye due to the high heat intensity and air pollution. Patients come with complaints of redness in eyes, itching, foreign body sensation," Dr Prashant Gupta, cataract and cornea consultant, Apollo Hospital, Hyderaguda, told TOI.