Hyderabad: High temperatures in summer cause many health problems, affecting even one’s eyes. Burning, redness and watering of the eyes are common complaints even when moving out of doors earlier in the day.
Dr Deepa Shilpika, ophthalmologist, says dryness of the eyes increases in summer as the body gets dehydrated fast. “For this reason, children and senior citizens have to take special care as they are the ones who forget to drink water at regular intervals. They must be told to drink water in small sips every half an hour so that the body does not get dehydrated. The dryness of eyes will be reduced if this is done.”
Dryness of the eyes is being seen more in children and teenagers because they are constantly looking at gadgets like mobiles, computers and video games that are known to cause this condition or aggravate it further.
Senior citizens suffering from co-morbid conditions like diabetes may complain of blankness. Ophthalmologist Dr Vijay Kiran says, “Blank moments are seen in senior citizens as they suffer from dehydration even inside their homes. Those who have difficulty in mobility or are suffering from co-morbid conditions like diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, cancer and other diseases must drink sufficient water. When the water is less, there is weakness in the eyes, fatigue, itchiness and also redness.”
Splashing cold drinking water on an hourly basis gives relief. Ophthalmologist Dr Satish Reddy cautions that water must be splashed “slowly and not too hard or fast. Purified water must be used. Senior citizens or those suffering from eye problems should opt for lubricants or tear drops so that the effect of dry eyes is controlled, he said.
