How the Heatwave is Impacting Eye and Brain Health: What You Need to Know

Heatwave Effects on Health

New Delhi: As heatwave conditions escalate in various regions, medical professionals are cautioning that extended exposure to high temperatures can negatively impact both physical health and neurological functions, particularly in children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health issues.

Experts in health emphasize that rising temperatures, dehydration, and prolonged sun exposure can disrupt the body's internal equilibrium, leading to fatigue, dizziness, severe headaches, migraines, heat exhaustion, and even neurological issues in susceptible populations.

Hospitals in the Delhi-NCR area are reporting an uptick in patients suffering from heat-related conditions, including eye irritation, headaches from dehydration, and neurological symptoms triggered by heat, according to doctors.

"The current heatwave is starting to show effects beyond typical heat-related illnesses, with a significant rise in neurological complaints in our outpatient department," stated Dr. Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant in Neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

"We've observed nearly a 20% increase in outpatient visits recently, with more individuals presenting symptoms like severe headaches, dizziness, disorientation, fainting spells, exacerbation of existing neurological conditions, and particularly migraine flare-ups," he added.

Dr. Suri noted that heat exposure and bright sunlight can trigger migraines in certain individuals. Extreme heat and dehydration can also disrupt blood flow to the brain, alter electrolyte levels, and place considerable stress on the nervous system, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Symptoms such as ongoing confusion, slurred speech, excessive drowsiness, seizures, or loss of consciousness should not be overlooked, as they may signal a serious neurological emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.

Dr. Sushma Sharma, Director of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, mentioned that individuals with migraines, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders may experience aggravated symptoms during extreme heat and sleepless nights caused by high temperatures and power outages.

"During intense summer heat, it's crucial to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours whenever possible. If going outside is unavoidable, individuals should protect themselves with umbrellas, sunglasses, and head coverings. Staying hydrated is equally vital, as dehydration from excessive sweating can lead to confusion and neurological issues," Dr. Sharma advised.

She recommended consuming natural electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices to replenish fluids lost through sweating.

Doctors also warned that eye health is often overlooked in summer, despite the season significantly increasing the risk of irritation and infections.

Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, Director at Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, explained that excessive sunlight exposure, hot winds, dust, and dehydration commonly result in eye strain and discomfort.

"Summer heat can impact eye health in various ways. Extended exposure to intense sunlight, hot winds, dust, and dehydration can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and eye strain.

"Many individuals also report burning sensations, itching, or watery eyes during this season. We frequently see cases of dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, and corneal sunburns. Children and those spending extended periods outdoors should exercise extra caution," Dr. Sanduja advised.

Dr. Namrata Sharma, a professor at the Dr. R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences in Delhi, noted that continuous air-conditioning use and increased screen time indoors are also contributing to eye-related issues during summer.

"Dry indoor air from air-conditioning, combined with prolonged mobile and laptop usage, reduces natural tear production and exacerbates eye dryness. Early symptoms like redness, blurry vision, and irritation are often ignored, which can lead to more serious conditions if untreated," she cautioned.

"We are witnessing more cases of allergies, dry eye, and infections due to the rapid evaporation of the tear film," she added.

She recommended wearing UV-protected sunglasses outdoors, rinsing eyes with clean water after exposure to dust, avoiding rubbing eyes with unclean hands, using lubricating eye drops, and maintaining proper hydration throughout the day.