User:Sands04/sandbox

Monsoon come soon…..

Monsoon is the only season which is being awaited by many eyes. In India the monsoon is widely welcomed and appreciated by city-dwellers as well, for it provides relief from the climax of summer heat in June. Sometimes houses and streets are waterlogged and the slums are flooded in spite of having a drainage system. Farmers too look for monsoon desperately as it is important for their livelihood. During monsoon various communicable diseases also comes to life as monsoon brings with it a host of infections that affect the eyes and causes pain and discomfort. Our eye is a very delicate organ; without which life may become very difficult in terms of social, financial and personal aspects. To understand an eye and its associated problems it is important to know the various parts of eye. Anatomy of eye: Eye is basically an asymmetrical globe, about an inch in diameter. The eye (as you see in the mirror) includes:

•	The iris (the pigmented part) •	The cornea (a clear dome over the iris) •	The pupil (the black circular opening in the iris that lets light in) •	The sclera (the white part) •	The conjunctiva (an invisible, clear layer of tissue covering the front of the eye, except the cornea)

Just behind the iris and pupil lies the lens, which helps to focus light on the back of the eye. The eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous. Light projects through the pupil and the lens to the back of the eye. The inside lining of the eye is covered by special light-sensing cells that are collectively called the retina. The retina converts light into electrical impulses. Behind the eye, the optic nerve carries these impulses to the brain. The macula is a small sensitive area within the retina that gives central vision. It is located in the center of the retina and contains the fovea, a small depression or pit at the center of the macula that gives the clearest vision. Some of the common eye problems that occur or can be aggravated during monsoons are: •	Conjunctivitis •	Eye Styes •	Dry Eyes •	Corneal ulcers

Conjunctivitis: Conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and the eye surface. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of conjunctiva and is characterized by swelling and redness. Conjunctivitis is commonly caused by: •	A viral or bacterial infection •	Allergy caused by dust, pollen, cosmetics and continued usage of contact-lenses Eye styes: A stye is an infection that causes a painful lump along the eyelid. Styes are caused by bacterial infections and are rampant during monsoons. Styes can be treated at home with wet and warm compresses and in cases of increased irritation and pain, by medication. Dry Eyes: for lubrication and moisturisation, the eye requires constant flow of tears to sustain vision. An imbalance in this tear flow can cause a condition called dry eyes and can lead to irritation, pain and blurring of vision. These symptoms may aggravate on exposure to wind and cold air and one must be very careful of its occurrence during monsoons. Dry eyes cannot be cured but can certainly be treated. Treatments include artificial lubricating agents, punctual occlusion and sometimes even surgery. Corneal ulcer: A severe infection of the cornea characterized by open sore is called corneal ulcer. Corneal ulcers cause pus discharge, severe pain and blurring of vision. It could be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection or also by tears caused by trauma. It’s a serious health concern and should be treated by an ophthalmologist immediately. Prevention 1.	Always wear goggles and helmets with windscreen while driving two - wheeler. 2.	Avoid contacts like shaking hands and washing hands after frequent intervals. 3.	Do not share towels and handkerchiefs as they can easily transfer infections. 4.	Wearing dark glasses keep your eyes cool and prevent immediate contact of the hands and eyes which can spread this contagious infection faster.