Expressnews
Chennai, December 2023: As the risk of a surge in water-borne eye infections is looming large in Chennai thanks to the recent floods and intermittent rains, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital has opened its doors for the senior citizens who reside in the city to avail free eye check-ups and outpatient consultations until January 15, 2024.
The Chennai residents who are 50 years of age or above can register their name and visit any of the 18 eye hospitals and eye clinics of Dr Agarwals in the city and avail the services. For registration, contact: 95949 24048.
Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital employs 100+ experienced ophthalmologists in Chennai. The free comprehensive OPD eye care services cover: visual acuity assessment, the evaluation of the clarity or sharpness of vision; fundus examination, the examination of the back part of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels; automated refraction evaluation, measurement of a person’s refractive error; Non-contact Tonometry evaluation, also known as “air puff test”, to measure the pressure inside eyes, and the slit lamp test for the detailed examination of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye.
In her comments, Dr. S. Soundari, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, said, “Eye care is crucial during the rainy season and in the event of a flood. As the recent cyclone caused heavy showers and inundated the city, the incidence of water-borne infections is likely to surge. We have announced free eye consultation services and generic eye tests to help the senior residents, who are already facing various hardships resulting from the floods, to take better care of their eyes. We also aim to highlight the importance of good hygiene to prevent infections.”
Talking about the most common eye problems and effective preventive care measures, Dr. S. Soundarisaid that conjunctivitis, eye stye, dry eyes, and corneal ulcer are prevalent issues during the rainy season. She advised people to use eye protection glasses when exposed to wind and dust, employ eye-protective masks while swimming and travelling, and consider avoiding the use of swimming pools during the rainy season, as pool water can increase the risk of viral attacks on the eyes. In terms of hygiene, individuals should refrain from touching their eyes with dirty hands or rubbing them excessively. It’s recommended not to share handkerchiefs or towels and to avoid using eye makeup during an eye infection. Most importantly, individuals should not self-medicate but always seek the advice of a professional eye specialist.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, caused by viruses, bacteria, and irritating substances. It is an infectious disease and spreads from one person to another. The common symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness of eye, swelling, yellow sticky discharge from eyes, itching in the eyes, associated with pain. It is an easily treatable eye problem. This infection spreads during rains due to increased moisture in the air.
Stye is a bacterial infection involving one or more of the small glands near the base of eyelashes. Eye stye occurs as a lump on the eyelid. The glands get clogged due to which the bacteria’s multiply in that small space without having any place to go. Due to rains; the dust particles and other substances in the eye can get caught in these glands which make it a very good nidus for the bacteria. The common symptoms of stye are pus discharge, redness over eyelids, pain and bump in the eye.
Dry eye is a condition when the eyes are not able to provide adequate moisture either because of poor quality or insufficient tears. They are caused by exposure to dust and pollutants again more common with the monsoons. An eye specialist will prescribe some eye drops that will help lubricate your eyes and keep them safe.
A corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the cornea, the transparent structure overlying the front surface of the eyes. Corneal ulcer is most commonly caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or a parasite. The moisture content in the air especially during monsoons creates a favourable condition for the viruses to grow and multiply. Corneal ulcer occurs as a painful, red eye, with mild to severe eye discharge and reduced vision. It needs to be treated in time to avoid complications.
