India’s heatwave is leading to rise in ‘eye stroke’ cases: What is the condition?

As temperatures across the country continue to soar, scorching heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, bringing with them a host of health issues. While such extreme temperatures affect the health of our whole body, our eyes, which are the most sensitive organ of all, are no exception.

Medical professionals are sounding the alarm as these extreme conditions are now linked to a phenomenon known as an “eye stroke.”

What is the condition and how can you recognise an eye stroke? Let’s delve into details

What is an eye stroke?

Blood vessels carry essential nutrients and oxygen to every part of the body. When they narrow or become obstructed by a blood clot, the blood supply is disrupted, leading to a stroke.

As per Healthline, in the case of an eye stroke, medically known as retinal artery occlusion, occurs when this blockage affects one of the arteries supplying blood to the retina.

The retina is the thin film that lines the inner surface of the back of your eye. It transmits light signals to your brain so it can understand what your eyes see. However, when the retina’s blood supply gets interrupted, it can lead to sudden vision loss and potentially permanent damage.

As per Cleveland Clinic, a variety of risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other conditions that affect blood vessels can contribute to an eye stroke.

How can heatwave cause an eye stroke?

During hotter months, the human body undergoes significant stress to regulate its temperature. This can cause dehydration, thickening of the blood, and increased blood pressure—all factors that can impair blood flow to the eyes leading to a stroke.

Dehydration significantly raises the risk of an eye stroke because when the body loses more water than its intake, various issues can arise, including dry eyes syndrome. The condition happens when the eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tear quality is poor, resulting in discomfort, redness, and a gritty feeling.

How to recognise an eye stroke?

As per Healthline, symptoms of eye stroke can develop slowly over hours or days, or they can come on suddenly. The biggest sign it may be a retinal stroke is if you experience symptoms in one eye only. Here are other symptoms that you should watch out

Seeing floaters: These can manifest as small gray spots floating within one’s field of vision.

Blurred vision: One’s vision may progressively deteriorate on one side or across entire visual field.

Vision loss: Experience vision loss either gradually or suddenly, ranging from subtle to severe.

Pain or pressure: Although eye strokes are typically painless, sensations of pressure or mild pains in the eyes can indicate a problem.

Bleeding: The retina may appear red or have blood spots scattered throughout.

What other eye problems can heatwave cause?

Heatwaves not only increase the risk of having an eye stroke, but they may also lead to several other eye conditions as per a M_oneycontrol_ report quoting Dr Navneet Bohra, Ophthalmologist, Ananta Institute Of Medical Sciences, Rajsamand.

Increased eye allergies: Heatwaves often coincide with higher pollen counts, leading to allergic reactions that cause red, itchy, and watery eyes.

Stye: Developing a stye is a common issue that arises from heat exposure; it is a small, painful, red lump that typically emerges from the base of the eyelash or under the eyelid causing discomfort in the eye.

Photokeratitis: This is essentially a sunburn of the eye, caused by excessive UV exposure during heatwaves. The sunburn causes pain, redness, and blurriness, and can even lead to temporary vision loss. Cataracts and macular degeneration are other eye problems associated with long exposure to UV rays.

Higher risk of eye infection:  Sweating during a heatwave can heighten the risk of eye infections. Sweat can transport bacteria and other pathogens into your eyes, particularly if you rub them frequently. This can result in conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other infections.

How to prevent an eye stroke?

To keep your eyes safe against an eye stroke follow these preventive measures.

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the stay will keep your eyes moisturised. Use over-the-counter lubricant eye drops to prevent irritation if necessary.

Wear sunglasses: They are not only a fashion statement but also help protect your eyes from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Choose sunglasses that block 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays to prevent damage from prolonged sun exposure

Avoid wearing contact lenses: “Hot weather generally tends to cause irritation and dryness hence contact lens users are advised to not exceed the daily recommended time duration, a minimum of 6 hours to a maximum of 10-12 hours", Dr Ramya Sampath, Regional Head of Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Chennai told News9. “Extended use of contact lenses and improper handling can lead to Corneal Infections," Dr Sampath added.

Limit airconditioner exposure: Prolonged exposure to ACs can dry out the air and your eyes. Avoid sitting in front of vents, use a humidifier. Also, take breaks from air-conditioned spaces to keep your eyes moist.

Practice good eye hygiene: Wash your hands often, especially during outdoor activities in heatwaves, to prevent irritation and potential infections like conjunctivitis or styes. Wearing a hat or cap with a brim can also offer additional protection.

Monitor your diet: Your food choices greatly impact your eye health. Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc can lower the risk of age-related vision issues and maintain eye health. Incorporate plenty of leafy greens, fish, nuts, and fruits into meals to provide essential nutrients for combating heatwave-induced stress on your eyes.

With inputs from agencies