Overexposure to the sun and chlorine in swimming pools has been the most treated eye problem in recent weeks in Salamanca

Sunbathing, bathing in swimming pools, sea water or cooling off with air conditioning are typical postures that we usually adopt during the summer months to combat the suffocating heat that may present us, such as we are experiencing these days. National territory, including the province of Salamanca.

Although we don’t take into account that these gestures can lead to serious health problems, such as eye problems, if we’re not careful. Macarena González Gran, a second-year ophthalmology resident at the University Hospital of Salamanca, said that while certain eye conditions dominate every time of the year, such as The famous winter viral conjunctivitis or spring allergic conjunctivitis “in summer, the sun radiation is strong, the air-conditioned environment is dry, and the swimming pool water is treated with chemical products, which can easily cause a variety of eye diseases. Be careful”.

In the case of dry eye, one of the most common conditions due to overexposure to air conditioning, according to the ophthalmologist, “dry eye also increases with age because tears start to decrease , and it’s also a poor quality tear that doesn’t lubricate the ocular surface properly. This can lead to symptoms like grittiness, red eyes, and blurred vision, since the tear film is an important factor in vision.

Among these diseases, the most common is photokeratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea due to solar radiation, irritant conjunctivitis, bacterial infection, etc.

Who is more prone to these diseases?

In this regard, Macarena confirms that “we are all at the same risk of developing all these diseases”, but she also admits that “the problem will occur in people who wear contact lenses, people who are exposed to the sun for a long time without protective glasses. increased”. Or those who dive in pools with lots of chemicals. “

It also warns that “children may be more affected by prolonged sun exposure in summer and in swimming pools underwater with their eyes open and without sunglasses.”

people who wear contact lenses

For users who wear contact lenses, this precaution increases because “the chance of infection increases. If we add the fact that it makes it easier for microbes that live in water to enter the eye, the result can be dire” Infection with Acanthamoeba, a parasite that can cause complete loss of vision or even loss of the eye. It is therefore imperative for these individuals to maintain strict hygiene and be aware of any symptoms that may occur such as red, sore or blurred eyes.

Guidelines and treatments to follow to avoid eye infections

“First of all, eyes in contact with chlorinated water must be avoided as much as possible, as well as places with fresh water (rivers, lakes), where amoebas are usually more frequent and the risk of eye infections is high, especially if the user wears glasses, where contact with .

For dry eye, the treatment is simpler. We must compensate for this greater tear evaporation with artificial tears so that the ocular surface remains optimally lubricated. For conjunctivitis or infection, anti-inflammatory or antibacterial treatment can be given for the exact cause.

In any case, depending on the constitution of each individual and the aggressiveness of the pathogenic microorganisms, very serious consequences can occur, eventually impairing vision. Prevention is therefore of paramount importance,” he explained.

Tips for Caring for Eye Health

As detailed by ophthalmologist Macarena Gómez, prevention is essential to prevent vision problems from developing, especially in summer. For this, food plays an important role: “A good diet is important at every level beyond the eyes. But it is true that diseases such as macular degeneration can be exacerbated by those who do not follow an adequate and balanced diet.

Some of the tips that the expert highlighted to avoid damage to eye health during the summer are to “wear sunglasses for sun protection, keep the eye surface well hydrated, avoid contact lenses when taking a bath, and avoid swimming pool products with high concentrations of chemicals. Desalinated pools are a Interesting choice”.

Salamanca hospital most often treats eye problems

Finally, regarding the eye problem that has been treated the most so far in the province of Salamanca this summer, Macarena reveals that “in recent weeks, it is not uncommon to see patients presenting to the hospital with symptoms of dry eye or irritative conjunctivitis exacerbated. exposure to passing water. Fortunately, corneal infections of this magnitude are rare, and we rarely see them.”