Monsoon season, with its increased humidity and proliferation of waterborne infections, poses a heightened risk to children’s eye health. This period demands extra care to protect young eyes from common infections. Ayurvedic care, rooted in ancient indian medicine, provides a natural and holistic approach to preventing and treating eye infections in children during the monsoon. Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Director, Dr. Basu Eye Hospital shares Ayurvedic practices that can protect your child’s eyes from these infections.
Common Eye Infections During Monsoon
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the white part of the eye. It is often caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens and is highly contagious.
Styes
Styes are painful red bumps that appear on the eyelid due to bacterial infection of the oil glands. Styes can cause significant discomfort and irritation.
Allergic Reactions
During the monsoon season, eyes can become red, itchy, and watery due to allergens like pollen, dust, or mold, which are more prevalent.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Eye Infections
Ayurveda associates eye health with the balance of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. During the monsoon, Pitta dosha, which governs heat and metabolism, can become aggravated, leading to increased heat and inflammation in the eyes. Ayurvedic care focuses on maintaining the balance of the doshas through diet, lifestyle changes, and specific treatments.
Preventing Eye Infections with Ayurvedic Care
Proper Hygiene
Ensure that children wash their hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of infections. Use separate towels for each child to avoid cross-contamination. Additionally, use eye wipes regularly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around the eyes.
Diet
Incorporate foods like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens into the diet to balance Pitta dosha. Encourage children to drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Reduce the intake of spicy, oily, and fried foods, which can aggravate Pitta and lead to inflammation.
Eye Care Routine
Use a wash made from Triphala, a blend of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), to cleanse the eyes and reduce inflammation. Triphala is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Monsoon Eye Hygiene
Emphadata-size frequent hand washing. Ensure the use of individual towels for each child. Utilize eye wipes for additional cleanliness.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Eye Infections
1. turmeric and Honey Paste
Prepare a paste of turmeric and honey and apply it around the eyes (avoid direct contact with the eyes). This mixture helps reduce inflammation and fights infection due to its antibacterial properties.
2. Aloe Vera
Apply fresh aloe vera gel to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. aloe vera has natural cooling and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. neem Leaf Extract
Boil neem leaves in water and use the water to wash the eyes. neem has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating infections.
4. Bilva (Bael) Leaves
Make a decoction of Bilva leaves and use it as an eye wash. Bilva leaves help reduce eye inflammation and irritation due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Lifestyle Tips for Maintaining Eye Health
1. Adequate Sleep
Ensure children get 6 to 7 hours of sleep each night to support overall eye health.
2. Limit Screen Time
Limit children’s screen time on TVs, mobile phones, and computers to avoid eye strain and dryness.
3. Protective Eyewear
Encourage the use of protective eyewear to shield eyes from dust, pollutants, and harmful UV rays.
By incorporating these Ayurvedic practices into daily routines, you can effectively protect your child’s eyes from infections during the monsoon season and promote overall eye health.