Enter monsoon and city eye clinics are burdened with a deluge of patients complaining of eye infections.

Most ophthalmologists have attributed the fast multiplying infection-causing bacteria and viruses to the prevailing hot and humid weather.

S.S. Prasad, the head of the ophthalmology department at Patna Medical College and Hospital, said 50 to 60 new patients suffering from conjunctivitis are coming to the health hub’s outpatient department everyday.

“The exposure to hot and humid conditions can lead to dryness in the eyes. Hence, eyes do not produce enough tears. The dryness triggers inflammation in the eyelids’ margins,” said Prasad.

“The present heat and humidity favour the growth of bacteria. Five to six patients are coming to my clinic with eye infections daily,” said Sunil Kumar Singh, director of Sanjeevani Eye Hospital.

Sharing details about eye infections, Singh said: “Most common infections during monsoon are bacterial, viral and allergic conjunctivitis besides allergic contract dermatitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes redness and swelling up of eyes, discharge of pus and sticking of eyelids in both eyes. Viral conjunctivitis causes redness and watering of eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis causes redness, watering and itching. When foreign particles enter one’s eyes and he/she rubs them badly, contract dermatitis occurs, triggering swelling, blisters and itching.”

On medication available for different types of conjunctivitis, Singh said: “We prescribe anti-bacterial drops and ointments to patients of bacterial conjunctivitis and anti-biotic drops and ointments for viral conjunctivitis. For allergic conjunctivitis, doctors prescribe steroid drops. But they must keep tabs on whether the patient is showing side effect or not.”

“People should wash eyes several times a day to keep them clean. Wearing sunglasses is advisable to help prevent eyes from getting dry, which can lead to itching and irritation. One should not rub eyes often if a foreign particle gets inside. Rather, one should rinse the eyes with water many times. In case problems persist (irritation and itching), a doctor must be consulted immediately. Using lubricating eye drops can be helpful in keeping eyes clean,” said Singh.