MANY Mumbaikars are calling in sick at work in monsoon. Why? … poorer levels of hygiene. Stagnant water breeds disease.

There is an epidemic of many communicable diseases like conjunctivitis in the eye during the monsoon.

The best medicine that we recommend for monsoon eye ailments is a lot of caution with the following tips suitably called 'Eye Openers'

1) Do not touch your eyes without washing your hands
2)Do not wipe your face with a towel/handkerchief which has cleaned your hands and body as the microbes may spread to your eyes
3)Protect your eyes in essentially windy conditions especially if you are using contact lenses
4)Carry your complete contact lens kit and glasses in the event of being stranded overnight in a downpour
5)Those having high numbers should keep a spare pair of spectacles at all times as an added measure of safety
6)Always wash your face, hands and feet as soon as you reach home
7)Do not open your eyes deliberately to raindrops. They absorb atmospheric pollutants which could be dangerous for the eyes particularly in Industrial areas
8)Do not open your eyes deliberately to raindrops as they also wash away the tear film, the eye's natural protection mechanism
9)Children love splashing through water-logged streets. This could be dangerous as waterborne bacteria may cause eye infections like conjunctivitis
10)It is better to be aware of these few essentials that will keep you safeguarded during the rains.

Issued in public interest by Shroff Eye Hospital and LASIK Centre,Mumbai,
India Shroff Eye Hospital and LASIK Centre,
222 S V Rd, Bandra West,
Mumbai -400 050 Ph: 66921000/ 66939372/26431006

Shroff Eye Clinic,
Gobind Mahal,
Marine Drive Mumbai -400002
Ph: 22814077 / 22811863 / 22029242 LASIK Helpline: 098211-3901
www.shroffeye.org 
www.lasikindia.in

Photograph: China Photos - Getty Images