Kotdwar (Uttarakhand): Climate and health are closely intertwined. The changes in monsoon patterns and rise in temperature have ravaged Uttarakhand—a vulnerable geographical region in many ways. The average annual temperature in Uttarakhand was 1.17 degrees Celsius higher than usual in 2022, making it the state with the maximum rise in temperature in that year. The repercussions of these climatic shifts extend to health outcomes.
In 2023, the region endured an adverse monsoon season, disrupting humidity and temperature patterns. These changes proved detrimental to the eye health of the local population, highlighting the profound impact of climate change on public health. The state witnessed a 30% surge in conjunctivitis, with ophthalmologists warning against crowded places and self-medication as it may lead to permanent loss of sight. “Eye flu, similar to a viral infection, exhibits seasonal patterns attributed to varying climatic conditions,” said Dr. Sufiyan of Dr. Sufiyan’s Eye Centre.
“Symptoms of eye flu include redness, itching, discharge, and blurred vision. Preventive measures emphasize the need for vigilance, particularly during flu seasons. It’s essential to advise parents to be vigilant and intervene promptly.”
Increasing burden of eye disease and need for community outreach
“Further, with an ageing population comes a heightened prevalence of vision-related ailments,” remarks Dr. Sufiyan of Dr. Sufiyan’s Eye Centre. “Conditions such as cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy can be prevented or mitigated through early detection and intervention.”
A hospital-based eye health survey conducted in Uttarakhand in 2017 revealed that the leading causes of ocular morbidity were refractive errors, cataracts, allergic conjunctivitis, and presbyopia. “Refractive errors, which are quite common in children, cause vision problems and may need glasses to fix,” explains Dr Sufiyan. “It’s important to detect and treat them early to avoid lasting eye issues. Refractive errors cause difficulty in seeing clearly and occur when the shape of the eye prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.”
Interview with Dr. Sufiyan, Eye Specialist, conducted by Manish Bhatt, Editor-in-Chief
Dr Sufiyan emphasizes the critical importance of reaching out and building trust within the community, whether it’s combating the effects of climate change on eye health or developing tailored outreach programs to meet the community’s specific needs. “ We plan to host awareness camps to expand our reach and educate the community, highlighting our dedication to promoting eye health beyond clinical settings,” he said.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is when the optic nerve in your eye gets damaged because of too much fluid buildup. This extra fluid increases the pressure inside your eye, which hurts the optic nerve. Normally, your eye balances this fluid by draining it through a small opening called the drainage angle, keeping the pressure stable. But when this drainage angle doesn’t work properly, fluid builds up, causing the pressure to rise and damaging the optic nerve.
Alarmingly, an estimated 80 per cent of glaucoma cases, the third leading cause of blindness, remain undiagnosed in India. A study on glaucoma profiles in Uttarakhand revealed that the most common type of glaucoma is primary angle closure glaucoma, followed by primary open-angle glaucoma. The study also showed that glaucoma is more common as people get older, and it tends to affect men more than women. However, primary angle closure glaucoma is diagnosed more frequently in females.
“Glaucoma has no warning signs and is a leading cause of blindness,” warns Dr. Sufiyan. “It’s a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye, leading to vision loss. Raising awareness about glaucoma, especially during events like World Glaucoma Day on 12th March every year, is crucial.”
“Simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your eyes during the summer months,” advises Dr Sufiyan. From staying hydrated to choosing the right sunglasses, taking care of your eyes is essential.
“As an eye specialist, I urge everyone to take responsibility for protecting their eyes,” concludes Dr Sufiyan. “Regardless of age, if you experience any issues, seek help from an eye disease specialist rather than self-medicating. Your eyes are precious—don’t take risks with them.”
Tips to protect your eyes from harsh weather
- Ensure adequate hydration to combat dry eyes exacerbated by summer heat and strong winds.
- Shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation by choosing UV-protected sunglasses.
- Maintain hand hygiene to minimize the risk of eye infections, particularly during eye surgeries or when dealing with conjunctivitis.
- Adequate rest is essential for eye health; allow your eyes to recuperate by getting sufficient sleep.
- Prevent sunscreen from entering your eyes to avoid discomfort and irritation.
- A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports eye health and overall well-being.
(This article has been done in collaboration with our Community Radio Partner Radio Garhwani FM 90.8/ Manish Bhatt)
