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Tips to Take Care of Your Eyes During Summer and Monsoon
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Published on 11/10/25
(Updated on 12/09/25)
30

Tips to Take Care of Your Eyes During Summer and Monsoon

Written by
Dr. Aarav Deshmukh
Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram 2016
I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.
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Introduction 

We've all felt that sting when dust flies into our eyeballs on a windy summer day, right? And if you thought monsoon was a break—think again! Puddles, humidity, and squinty sun breaks can take a toll on vision. Tips to take care of your eyes during summer and monsoon isn’t just another generic phrase—it’s crucial guidance for anyone wanting to protect one of their most valuable senses. In this section, we’ll cover why your peepers need extra love when the heat blazes or the rains pour.

Now, I’m not some superdoc throwing jargon around. This is practical, everyday advice—stuff you can start tomorrow morning. Imagine scooping out an ice-cold melon ball in the sun, but caring for your eyes with this same fresh approach. Sounds good? Let’s dive in!

Summer Eye Challenges

Summer brings intense sunlight and harsh UV rays. Squinting in glaring sun can cause headaches, while UV exposure may lead to cataracts or macular degeneration down the road. Add dry air from ACs and beaches blowing sand—eyes get irritated, red, and super prone to dust allergies. Sounds familiar?

  • Excessive UV exposure can damage the cornea.
  • Air-conditioning dries out tear film, causing “dry eye” discomfort.
  • Sweat dripping into eyes can lead to stinging or infection.

Monsoon Eye Issues

Monsoon means high humidity, mold spores, and waterborne bacteria. Splash your face in a downpour and you risk conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, or fungal infections. Even if you love rainy chills, monitor splashes, sandals through muddy water can kick up particles, and humidity clogs tear ducts sometimes.

  • High humidity fosters bacteria and fungal growth.
  • Water splashes can introduce pathogens directly to eyes.
  • Frequent washing of hands and face is key to avoid cross-contamination.

General Eye Care Tips for All Seasons

While every season has its own quirks, some golden rules stay true year-round. Whether it's scorching July or drizzling August, these core habits form the foundation of healthy vision.

Nutrition and Diet

Your eyes thrive on good food. Think leafy greens (spinach, kale), beta-carotene rich carrots, omega-3 from fish, and vitamin C from citrus fruits. A quick smoothie with mango, spinach, and chia seeds is my summer go-to—delicious and full of lutein to shield retina cells.

  • Vitamin A & beta-carotene support night vision.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids reduce dry-eye symptoms.
  • Antioxidants (vitamin C & E) combat free radicals from UV light.

Lifestyle Habits

Break that screen standoff! The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) prevents digital eye strain. Hydration isn't just for your skin—drink plenty of water, keep a small humidifier in dry AC rooms, and use protective eyewear when mowing the lawn or riding a bike under blazing sun.

  • 20-20-20 rule for screen time relief.
  • Stay hydrated: 8–10 glasses of water daily.
  • Wear protective goggles for DIY projects or sports.

Summer-Specific Eye Care Strategies

Summer vacations, beach parties, and sunshine are irresistible—but without proper measures, your eyes can pay the price. Let’s talk sun-protective gear, at-home cool compresses, and more.

UV Protection & Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory—they’re a vital piece of eye armor. Look for lenses labeled “UV400” or which block 99–100% UVA/UVB rays. Polarized lenses reduce glare from water or pavement, making long drives or boating trips far more comfortable.

  • Wraparound sunglasses prevent side-UV leaks.
  • Polarized vs. non-polarized: choose polarized for glare reduction.
  • Reapply sunscreen carefully around the orbital bone—avoid eye contact!

 Tip: Toss a sunhat or cap into your beach bag. It’s a quick, stylish way to cut direct sun overhead.

Hydration & Cooling Techniques

High temps can evaporate your tear film. You might feel like crying, but those aren’t real tears—they're dry-eye signals. Combat this by:

  • Using preservative-free artificial tears 2–4 times daily.
  • Applying cold compresses—these soothe redness and puffiness after a long day.
  • Eating hydrating fruits—watermelon, cucumber, and grapes not only cool you down but add nutrients.

Don’t make that mistake of rubbing eyes when they're itchy—rubbing can cause micro-tears. Instead, pat gently with a cool cloth.

Monsoon-Specific Eye Protection Measures

Monsoon brings much-needed relief from heat, but also eye infection risk. Stagnant water, mud splashes, and humid weather can be a recipe for pink eye, stye, or fungal issues. Let’s keep those eyes bright and safe.

Preventing Infections

Free-floating pathogens in rainwater are no joke. Simple steps help:

  • Wash hands before touching contact lenses or eyes.
  • Replace old eye makeup—moisture breeds bacteria in mascara & liners.
  • Disinfect contact lens cases regularly, or switch to daily disposables for rainy season.

One rainy afternoon, I squished through a puddle and got pink eye. Lesson learned: pack an umbrella and avoid splashing through roadside puddles if possible.

Moisture Control & Comfort

Excess humidity can lead to eyelid dermatitis or chalazion. Keep eyelids dry:

  • Gently pat lids with a clean towel after washing face.
  • Use a hair dryer on low-cool setting, held at a safe distance, to dry lashes lightly.
  • Optional: Dab tea tree-oil diluted wipe—natural antimicrobial, but test on the skin first to avoid irritation.

And if you love monsoon selfies, keep those camera lenses spotless to prevent blurry memories!

Recommended Products and Supplements

Sometimes, a little extra help is needed. Here are some tried-and-true products and supplements I personally swear by for summer and monsoon eye care.

Sunglasses, Goggles & Shields

Brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, or even budget-friendly UV-blocking models from local stores can be lifesavers. For water sports or heavy wind, consider wraparound goggles. Motorcycle riders often use tinted visors, which double as sun and dust shields.

  • UV400-rated sunglasses (polarized preferred).
  • Sports goggles for cycling, motorbiking, or water sports.
  • Anti-fog lens sprays if you’re toggling between AC and humid outdoors.

Eye Drops, Serums & Supplements

Whether it’s artificial tears in summer or antibiotic drops during monsoon, choose preservative-free vials to reduce irritation. Supplements loaded with bilberry extract, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids support long-term eye health. I alternate Omega-3 fish oil and vegan flaxseed oil capsules to avoid fishy aftertaste.

  • Preservative-free lubricating eye drops (refresh, hylo-care).
  • Over-the-counter antibiotic drops (only on doctor’s advice!).
  • Daily supplements: lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, omega-3.

Conclusion

All said and done, your eyes deserve the same level of care you give to your skin or hair, especially when battling scorching heat or relentless humidity. These tips to take care of your eyes during summer and monsoon are straightforward: protect from UV, stay hydrated, maintain hygiene, and choose suitable products. Incorporate these habits, and you’ll reduce the risk of dry eyes, infections, and long-term damage. Sure, it may take a little extra effort—slipping on those sunglasses, reapplying drops, or swapping cosmetics—but your vision will thank you.

Ready to keep your eyes bright, healthy, and comfortable all year round? Start with one simple change today—maybe invest in a UV-blocking pair of shades or set a reminder to do the 20-20-20 rule at work. Share these insights with friends and let’s build a community that sees clearly, come rain or shine!

If you found these tips helpful, share this article on social media, and tag someone who’d love crystal-clear vision all summer and monsoon long. For more personalized advice, consider scheduling an eye check-up with a local optometrist this season!

FAQs

  • Q: How often should I use artificial tears in summer?
    A: Generally, 2–4 times a day as needed. If air-conditioning dries your eyes quickly, carry a travel-size bottle and use more frequently.
  • Q: Can monsoon humidity worsen my allergies?
    A: Yes, humid weather can increase mold spores and dust mites, aggravating allergic conjunctivitis. Use anti-allergy drops and keep windows closed if spores are high.
  • Q: Are polarized sunglasses necessary?
    A: Polarized lenses reduce glare significantly—ideal for driving, fishing, or beach outings. If glare bothers you, it’s worth the investment.
  • Q: Is it safe to share eye makeup during monsoon?
    A: No. Sharing mascara or eyeliners can transmit bacteria. Replace or disinfect makeup every 3–6 months, especially in humid seasons.
  • Q: What foods boost eye health for summer and monsoon?
    A: Focus on leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3 (salmon, mackerel), citrus fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes, and nuts. They supply vitamins A, C, E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
  • Q: How can I prevent pink eye in rainy weather?
    A: Keep hands clean, avoid touching eyes, use fresh towels, and discard old contact lens solution. If you swim in community pools, use watertight goggles.
  • Q: Are anti-fog sprays effective for glasses?
    A: Yes, they create a thin barrier that stops condensation. Great when moving between air-conditioned rooms and hot outdoors.
  • Q: When should I see an eye doctor?
    A: If redness, pain, or vision changes persist more than 24–48 hours, schedule an appointment. Early diagnosis prevents complications.
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