{By: Dr Digvijay Singh}
The holy city of Prayagraj also referred to as Sangam, is of immense religious and cultural significance to the Indian people, attracting tourists and pilgrims throughout the year for attending the well-known holy dip at the Triveni Sangam- a combination of Ganga, Yamuna rivers and the Sarasvati mythological river. While the bathing practices are believed to purify an individual’s spirit, simultaneously monitoring one’s health such as the eyes is incredibly important. Especially eye care since there is a great threat of water-borne infections.
Waterborne Eye Infections
Eye care should be mandatory prior to bathing in the Triveni Sangam because while spiritually cleansing it can be a feeding ground for various viruses, bacteria and other harmful pollutants that can result in eye infections. Some eye infections which are commonly spread through water particles to note are as follows:
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – This eye condition can develop due to bacterial or viral transmission and results in inflammation, pain and pus filled discharge from the eyes.
2. Acanthamoeba Keratitis – This infection affects vision and has the potential to be catastrophic leading to complete vision loss if left unattended. The eye infection is caused by a microorganism found in contaminated water and is extremely painful.
3. Fungal Eye Infections – Eye infections caused by bacteria result from exposure to organic materials causing inflammation and sight distortion.
4. Allergic Reaction – Many microorganisms present in water along with chemicals and pollutants can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes such as itching, redness and tearing.
Avoiding Risk Assessments For Eye Injuries: Suggestion And Recommendations
1. Use Swimming Goggles Or Protective Eyewear
Swimming goggles can be worn or glasses that are waterproofed prior to submerging one’s head under water. These will help keep your eyes free from harmful contaminants.
2. Eye Rubs Should Be Avoided
If your eyes become splashed, do not rub them as this worsens your situation. You worsen your risk of infection by rubbing because bacteria can be scrubbed deeper into the eye. Rinse these eyes immediately with clean bottled water instead.
3. Eye Wash With Lubricating Solutions
After exposure to water, preservative-free lubricating eye drops can be used in an effort to remove irritants and help soothe the eyes.
4. Contact Lens Restriction
Increased infection risk comes with wearing contact lenses while taking a dip in the water. Harmful microorganisms can be trapped against the eye’s surface. Always remove your lenses.
5. Eye And Hand Hygiene
You need to maintain proper hand hygiene. Before you apply any eye drops or touch your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water.
6. Eye Issue Condition Dipper Check
This group of people ‘dry eyes’ or any other ‘recent eye surgery’ or some ‘conjunctivitis’ are preconditions that should simply eschew water.
7. Consult A Medical Professional Upon Symptom Development
In case you develop any form of redness, inflammation, abnormal eye-watering, pain, or blurriness of vision after swimming, ensure to reach out to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Receiving treatment as early as possible can help avoid desperate infections and even loss of vision.
The author, Dr Digvijay Singh, is the Director at Noble Eye Care in Gurugram
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]
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