Monsoons are more than just good, hot food. And while most of us are quick to pull out umbrellas and raincoats, very few think about protecting our eyes, especially if we wear contact lenses. And according to eye specialists, this oversight could cost us more than just a little irritation.Why Your Eyes Are at Risk in the Rainy SeasonThe humid climate during the rainy season creates the perfect environment for viruses to thrive. On top of that, people tend to spend more time indoors and in close contact with one another, which raises the risk of viral infections spreading by nearly 50 per cent. Add to this the common flu, which weakens immunity, and your eyes become more vulnerable than ever.Contaminated water is another culprit. Dr Jayapratha Selvaraj, General Ophthalmology, points out that poor water hygiene can worsen eye conditions such as conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye) and keratitis, an infection of the cornea. “These infections are especially troublesome for people who wear contact lenses,” she says.Dr Venkatesan C, Senior Consultant – Ophthalmology, agrees, adding that fungal and bacterial keratitis become more common during the monsoon. “They may start with redness, irritation, or pain, but if not treated right away, they can cause serious visual problems,” he warns.Contact Lens and Monsoon Contact lenses are a blessing for millions, particularly students and professionals who find glasses cumbersome. But during the monsoon, they can turn into little traps for germs.“Contact lenses are safe if you follow the rules. But the moment hygiene slips, lenses can let bacteria or fungi stick to the eye’s surface,” says Dr Venkatesan. The moist, humid environment during the rainy season accelerates this risk. Tears dry more slowly in such weather, keeping the surface of the eye damp, a perfect breeding ground for infections.Students, in particular, face greater danger. Many wear their lenses for long hours, share lens solutions with friends, or even swim in pools or rainwater while keeping their lenses on. Each of these habits, says Dr Venkatesan, can drastically raise the risk of infection.Golden Rules of Lens Care in the Rainy SeasonYou do not have to abandon your lenses every time it rains. With the right care, you can enjoy both the rain and clear vision.Dr Selvaraj lists the basics:Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or wearing lenses.Store lenses only in their designated case.Never use expired lenses.Avoid rinsing or storing lenses in tap water or saline; always use proper lens solution.Do not sleep, bath, or swim with lenses on.Dr Venkatesan adds a few more monsoon must-dos:Always use fresh lens solution; never top up old liquid in the case.Take off your lenses before going out in the rain.If your doctor has not recommended it, do not sleep in your lenses.If you notice persistent redness, discharge, or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and see an eye doctor.When Infections HappenDespite best efforts, sometimes you still get infections. Viral conjunctivitis, for example, often resolves on its own, but that does not mean you should ignore it. “Ophthalmologists may prescribe antibiotic and lubricant eye drops to reduce discomfort and prevent spread,” explains Dr Selvaraj.If the cornea gets involved, as in keratoconjunctivitis, timely medical treatment becomes crucial. Viral eye infections can remain contagious for up to two weeks, so doctors urge patients to:Wash hands frequently.Avoid sharing towels, bed sheets, or handkerchiefs.Resist rubbing or touching the eyes.Switch to glasses and only return to contact lenses after medical clearance.You do not have to give up your lenses during monsoon, but you do have to respect the hygiene rules. Even a small slip-up, like rinsing lenses in tap water or wearing them during a sudden downpour, can lead to painful infections and, in some cases, long-term vision loss.As Dr Venkatesan puts it, “You may enjoy the beauty of the rainy season without hurting your eyes if you take basic steps and get medical care right away.” This Contact Lens Health Week 2025, know that your eyes deserve as much protection as your clothes and shoes. And when it comes to contact lenses in the monsoon, a little extra care goes a very long way. Dr Jayapratha Selvaraj is an ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwal's Eye Hospital, ChennaiDr Venkatesan C is a senior ophthalmology consultant at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai
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