By Manoj Kumar Ojha
Guwahati :Demands for goggles are high these days as the blazing heat is becoming uncomfortable as the temperature rises day by day with out break of eye flu in several districts of Assam.
Goggles manufacturers, suppliers , exporters and sellers finding a good northeastern market places for the first time.
“The deforestation of the state and the entire northeast region is the major cause of climate change here resulting in blazing heat , pollution and eye diseases. Otherwise twenty years back summer season was the time for heavy rainfall with minimum temperature. ” Suhay Sarma , 76,retired manager of Nirjhar Tea Estate in upper Assam said.
“So be it . Eye flu or other eye problems is a common problem these days even in the remotest areas of the state. It creates a new demand , new markets. We need ophthalmologists, goggles, spectacles,medicines and many others,” Suhay pointed out .
Many cities of Assam are experiencing heat waves, and residents are being advised to take precautions. Eye Flu is spreading from one district to another for which the state health department is taking necessary steps.
Last month, neighboring Arunachal Pradesh also witnessed eye flu outbreak and closed its school for a week.
Experts say that while we can cover our body with clothing and sunscreen from head to toe, our eyes are left exposed. Not only are UV rays detrimental to the eyes, but they are also exposed to filth, pollution, and heat. This might make them itch and hurt, and it can even cause the vision to distort. For the sake of their health, it is critical to protect the eyes from heatwaves.
Ophthalmologists gave expert advice on how we can take care of our eyes during the scorching heat.
SUNGLASSES WORK
Almost all ocular structures, including the eyelid, are damaged by UV rays. Outdoor activities should be avoided between 10 am and 4 pm. When the sun is at its strongest, even on a misty day, one can get sunburned. It’s just as crucial to wear sunglasses with enough UV protection as it is to wear a hat with a wide brim.
It is highly important to wear UV-protected appropriate glasses
“Cheap glasses are acrylic, not proper CR39 and they mostly have an unclear vision which gives you eyestrain and headache, they do not provide proper UV protection,doctors said .
DIRECT SUNLIGHT IS HARMFUL:
UV rays age all of the eye’s structures. Corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration are all long-term impacts of UV exposure that can result in visual loss.
“Direct sunlight makes your eyes more dry and prone to an eye infection. It darkens the skin with higher melanin formation through stimulation of the pineal gland”, said doctors.
They also said that direct sunlight makes you more prone to retinal damage which leads to decreased visual activity permanently.
ADVANCE CARE OF EYES:
The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest on the entire body. Dryness, wrinkles, exaggerated skin furrows, sagging, loss of elasticity and speckled pigmentation are all symptoms of UV damage. Squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and cutaneous melanoma are all linked to ultraviolet light. Squamous cell carcinoma can develop on the skin, the conjunctiva, the cornea, and the inside of the eye, necessitating the removal of the entire eye in some cases.
“Avoid unnecessary exposure, wear hats or take an umbrella if you have to go outside in scorching heat, UV protect by wearing appropriate sunglasses and keep yourself hydrated,” said doctors.
EYES MUST BE PROTECTED:
UV radiation is absorbed by the front surface of the eye in 99 per cent of cases. When UV light is reflected off the water, such as during water sports or skiing, it can cause corneal damage.
Sunlight and UV radiation have both been linked to cataract development. This injury is permanent. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts that interfere with daily activities.
Then there’s the harm caused by individuals staring straight at the sun, whether it’s during an eclipse or not. This retinal injury might result in a permanent loss of vision.
“High water content fruits and vegetables are important and avoid direct airflow to face and eyes, especially during driving. Complete and proper blinking is required,” said doctors.
The people are also ordering online sunglasses like Ran – Ban , the branded sunglasses.