Amid rising summer temperatures, along with pollution, eye specialists today warned that the heat and dust can add stress on the eyes, leading to dryness, allergies, infections, and irritation.Delhi witnessed its first official heatwave day of the month on Tuesday, as scorching sunshine and dry winds pushed temperatures beyond 45°C across several parts of the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that conditions are likely to worsen over the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise to nearly 46°C on May 20.The weather department has also issued an orange alert for Delhi until May 25, cautioning residents about prolonged heatwaves and excessive heat conditions expected over six consecutive days.Allergies, Dryness, and Infections Common In SummerSpeaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Bhavatharini M, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, said that summer conditions can significantly impact eye health.“Summer places added stress on the eyes, particularly in cities like New Delhi where heat, dust, and pollution are significant factors,” she said. Dr. Bhavatharini explained that common concerns during the season include dryness caused by increased tear evaporation while watching screens,allergies triggered by environmental irritants, UV-related damage, infections linked to swimming in poorly maintained pools.Also read: What Is Favipiravir? COVID-Era Antiviral Now Used In Hantavirus Response In UKDr. Kalpana R, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology at SIMS Hospital, also warned of problems that affect the eyes during this season, such as allergies, dryness,seasonal infections, viral and bacterial infections, swimming pool infections, migraine headaches. She stressed the importance of maintaining proper hydration and following a balanced, nutritious diet to support eye health during the hotter months.How To Prevent Eye Health In Scorching SummersDr. Bhavatharini advised people to take simple preventive measures, such as wearing UV-protective sunglasses, staying well-hydrated, avoiding rubbing their eyes, and using protective goggles while swimming.“Persistent redness, irritation, or blurred vision should not be ignored and warrants timely evaluation by your eye specialist,” she added.Dr. Kalpana further recommended wearing protective eyewear outdoors to shield the eyes from harmful UV rays and glare.People travelling on bikes should wear helmets with visors to reduce exposure to dust and pollution, while swimmers should use swimming goggles to prevent infections and injuries associated with pool water.For allergies, she advised people not to rub their eyes even if they experience itching.“Just as a home remedy, you can use an ice pack over the closed eyelids or splash cold water over the closed eyelids to get some immediate relief,” she told HealthandMe. Avoid Self-MedicationThe experts also warned against self-medication in case of eye infections.“And for viral infections and bacterial infections, if you feel that you get a sticky discharge and redness, you must immediately go to an ophthalmologist and get it treated. Never use over-the-counter medicines for any of your infections,” Dr. Kalpana said.She added that people with common cold symptoms should wear masks and avoid touching commonly used surfaces if they have signs of an eye infection, as infections can spread through secretions.