Protect Your Eyes This Monsoon: 8 Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making

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The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but it also increases the risk of infections-especially eye-related ones like conjunctivitis. High humidity, stagnant water, and increased exposure to allergens make your eyes more vulnerable than usual.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is highly contagious during this time and often spreads through water droplets, contact lenses, towels, or simply touching your eyes with unclean hands. What makes things worse is that people unknowingly make common eye care mistakes that create a perfect storm for infection. Here's what you need to avoid to protect your vision this monsoon.

Touching Or Rubbing Your Eyes With Unwashed Hands

One of the most common mistakes people make-regardless of the season-is touching or rubbing their eyes without cleaning their hands. But during the monsoon, the risk is multiplied due to the presence of more bacteria and viruses in the environment. Your hands touch door handles, lift buttons, railings, and even phones that can carry pathogens.

When you transfer those germs to your eyes, you're giving bacteria a direct entry point. Make it a rule to wash or sanitize your hands before you touch your face, and if you must rub your eyes, use a clean tissue.

Using Shared Towels, Handkerchiefs, Or Pillowcases

Sharing personal items may seem harmless, but it's a surefire way to spread conjunctivitis. The virus or bacteria causing the infection can survive on fabric surfaces for several hours. During the rainy season, when things remain damp longer, these items become breeding grounds.

Always use your own clean towels, handkerchiefs, pillowcases, and makeup sponges. Wash and dry them frequently in sunlight or a hot dryer. Encourage family members to do the same, especially if someone in the household already has symptoms like red eyes or discharge.

Wearing Contact Lenses For Too Long Or Improperly

Contact lens wearers are particularly at risk during monsoon. Wet, humid weather can allow more dirt, pollen, and pathogens to get trapped under lenses. Wearing contacts for extended hours or sleeping in them (even accidentally) can severely irritate your eyes or cause infection.

Another major mistake is rinsing lenses with tap water or storing them in an expired solution. Switch to glasses on very humid or rainy days when possible. If you must wear lenses, follow strict hygiene-wash your hands before handling them, clean your lens case daily, and never reuse old solutions.

Ignoring The Early Signs Of Infection

Many people tend to overlook the initial symptoms of conjunctivitis-slight redness, itching, watery eyes, or a gritty sensation. They think it's just due to rain splashes, dust, or fatigue. But ignoring these signs allows the infection to progress and makes you more likely to spread it. If you notice any discomfort, don't wait.

Avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter drops or old prescriptions. Visit an eye specialist who can determine whether it's bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis and treat it accordingly. Early intervention prevents complications like corneal ulcers and vision problems.

Not Wearing Sunglasses Or Protective Eyewear Outdoors

You might think sunglasses are only for summer, but they're just as important during the monsoon. When you step outside, your eyes are exposed to wind, rain, and airborne particles. Wearing protective glasses or sunglasses creates a physical barrier that reduces your exposure to pollutants and pathogens.

Raindrops can carry bacteria, and splashes from puddles may enter your eyes unnoticed. Choose wraparound or snug-fitting glasses if you're walking or commuting in open areas. They not only protect your eyes from germs but also reduce the strain caused by sudden brightness on cloudy days.

Skipping Eye Makeup Hygiene

If you wear eye makeup regularly-especially kajal, eyeliner, or mascara-it's crucial to maintain high hygiene standards during the rainy season. Expired or shared products can be loaded with bacteria, and using them on your eyes is an open invitation to infection. Another big mistake is applying makeup to already irritated or red eyes to "hide" the problem.

Always check the expiry dates of your cosmetics, avoid sharing products, and make sure to remove your eye makeup thoroughly before sleeping. Clean your brushes and applicators regularly, as damp weather makes them breeding grounds for germs.

Using Rainwater Or Tap Water To Rinse Eyes

Many people instinctively rinse their eyes with tap water or even rainwater after getting splashed. This can be dangerous during monsoon months. Tap water can contain chlorine, fluoride, or other impurities that irritate the eyes, and rainwater is far from clean-it carries dust, pollutants, and microorganisms from the atmosphere.

If you feel discomfort or irritation after a rain splash, use a sterile saline solution or artificial tears recommended by your doctor. Never pour random liquids into your eyes, especially not rose water or herbal rinses, unless prescribed.

Neglecting Eye Care During Allergic Reactions

Monsoon also triggers seasonal allergies for many, which often manifest as itchy, red, or swollen eyes. Some people dismiss this as harmless and avoid treatment. However, rubbing allergic eyes increases the risk of breaking the protective barrier and letting infections in. If you know you have seasonal eye allergies, keep your prescribed antihistamine drops handy. Avoid exposure to allergens like mold, dust, or wet walls, and keep your indoor environment clean and well-ventilated. Not managing allergy-related eye issues can leave your eyes vulnerable to secondary infections.

Monsoon doesn't just drench the city-it soaks the air with allergens, dust, bacteria, and humidity, all of which can harm your eyes if you're not cautious. Avoiding these eight common mistakes goes a long way in keeping your vision clear and your eyes healthy.

Think of your eyes as one of your most exposed and delicate organs. A little extra care during monsoon can protect you from weeks of discomfort, missed work or school, and unnecessary medical costs. Your sight is worth safeguarding-especially in a season when visibility is already blurred by the rain.