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As the monsoon is taking over the country, the risk of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye, has started rising. Over the past few weeks, there has been a sudden spike in the number of conjunctivitis and flu patients. This is a common disease that can occur throughout the year, but during the rainy season, eye infections aggravate due to the unusual showers, flooding, and increased moisture in the atmosphere.
Some common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, discharge, and puffy eyes. According to a report by NHS Inform, the main causes of red eye are bacterial or viral infections and allergic reactions. Apart from maintaining hygiene, diet also plays a crucial role in relieving eye infections. Some healthy foods for improving eye health are spinach, cabbage, vegetable juices, fish, nuts, and oranges.
But if you already have red eyes, here are five foods you must avoid:
Alcohol
Apart from causing dehydration, alcohol also increases inflammation and weakens the immune system, which can exacerbate red-eye symptoms. According to a report by Complete Eye Care, consumption of alcohol leads to swollen blood vessels that can worsen your eye condition if you have conjunctivitis.
Salty and Processed Foods
Foods that are high in salt and processed ingredients can lead to dehydration, which causes dry eyes and irritation. It also triggers inflammation and worsens pre-existing eye conditions. According to WebMD, salt and processed meat can also damage the blood vessels of the eyes, leading to vision loss.
Spicy Foods
If you have conjunctivitis or any other eye infection, stay away from spicy foods. According to a report by Charlotte Eye Ear Nose and Throat Associates (CEENTA), spicy food can cause swelling, redness, and irritation. Also, make sure to wash your hands properly after eating a meal, as direct contact with capsaicin (a compound found in pepper) in the eyes can cause irritation and a watery response.
Fatty And Fried Foods
Being high in unhealthy fats, fatty and fried foods increase inflammation in the body, which is bad for overall health and the eyes. According to a report by Arizona Retinal Specialists, consuming a lot of fried foods creates free radicals in the body, which damage the cells in our eyes. Therefore, it is better to stay away from your favourite fried foods until your eye infection is completely cured.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter are rich in calcium and other nutrients that improve overall health. But if you have conjunctivitis or any other eye infection, it is better to avoid them. According to a report by the Assil Eye Institute, saturated fat found in dairy products causes plaque buildup in blood vessels that can worsen your condition.
