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Ranbir Kapoor wears sunglasses at Ramayana event: Why monsoon is tough on your eyes

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:30:00 +0000

5 min readNew DelhiJul 20, 2026 09:00 PM IST

Ranbir Kapoor, who stepped out with sunglasses for the Ramayana: Pratham Sankalp film event at Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, revealed that he has an eye infection. “Namaste. I want to inform you all that I apologise for wearing these dark glasses. Meri aankhon mein infection hua hai (I have an infection in my eye). Lekin iss shubh avasar par mere dil mein sirf affection hai! (But I only have affection for you all) So, please don’t mind,” said Kapoor, who plays Lord Ram in the film.

While he didn’t divulge more details about the infection, we asked experts to clarify about eye infections and the monsoon.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Dr Chaitanya Vemu, senior consultant, ophthalmology, KIMS Hospitals Thane, said the term “eye infection” refers to many conditions that affect different parts of the eye. “These infections can result from viruses, bacteria, fungi, or, less often, parasites. The symptoms and treatment can vary based on which part of the eye is affected,” said Dr Vemu.

One common eye infection is conjunctivitis, or pink eye. This condition involves inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis is particularly common and spreads easily through direct contact with infected fluids or contaminated surfaces. “However, not every red or irritated eye is conjunctivitis, so it’s important to avoid self-diagnosing,” said Dr Vemu.

Notably, while the monsoon brings welcome relief from the heat, it also increases the risk of eye infections, especially conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. “High humidity, frequent rains, and exposure to contaminated water create an ideal environment for viruses and bacteria to spread. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact, shared towels, handkerchiefs, pillow covers, or by touching infected surfaces and then rubbing the eyes. Common symptoms include redness, itching, watering, swelling of the eyelids, sticky discharge, burning sensation, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of something being stuck in the eye,” said Dr Pallavi Bipte, ophthalmologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Ghatkopar West, Mumbai.

Here’s what you should know (Photo: Freepik)

Signs you should watch out for

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According to Dr Vemu, redness, watering, irritation, itching, a gritty feeling, mild swelling of the eyelids, and discharge are among the most common signs of an eye infection. Some people may also notice blurred vision due to excessive tearing or discharge. “While mild viral infections often improve with supportive care, severe eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, persistent blurred vision, significant swelling, or symptoms affecting only one eye with worsening discomfort should not be ignored. These signs could indicate a more serious issue involving the cornea or deeper parts of the eye and require immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist,” said Dr Vemu.

Precautions

Good hygiene is the first line of defence. “Wash your hands often, avoid rubbing your eyes, and do not share towels, pillows, cosmetics, eye drops, or contact lenses. If there is redness along with watering or discharge, it’s best to limit close contact until a doctor can determine if the infection is contagious. Contact lens users should stop wearing their lenses until the eye has fully healed. It’s also best to avoid using over-the-counter eye drops without medical advice, as the wrong medication can sometimes worsen the issue instead of helping it,” said Dr Vemu.

What to note?

A common error is assuming every eye infection is the same and starting treatment based on advice from friends, old prescriptions, or internet searches. Dr Vemu clarified that antibiotic drops do not help viral infections, and using steroid eye drops without supervision can worsen certain infections and even threaten vision. “People should also avoid rubbing their eyes, wearing contact lenses, or using eye makeup until the infection has cleared up. If it turns out to be conjunctivitis, simple steps like cleaning away discharge with sterile cotton, using cold compresses for comfort, and practicing good hand hygiene can help reduce discomfort and limit spread. However, the most important step is to get the right diagnosis, as treatment depends on the underlying cause, not just the redness,” said Dr Vemu.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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Your eyes may turn red after bungee jumping — here’s what is happening

admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Bungee jumping is one of the most popular adventure sports in India. But what if, after those few minutes of adrenaline rush, you find yourself with bloodshot eyes?

Several videos have gone viral showing adventure enthusiasts experiencing the same thing after a jump. But what does it mean? Is the sport dangerous for your eyes? Is the blood due to an injury? Should you worry?

We dug deeper to find out what causes it. While it may look alarming, the condition is usually harmless and clears on its own. In rare cases, however, it can signal a more serious eye injury.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Why do the eyes turn red after a bungee jump?

According to Dr Neepa Thacker, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Ophthalmology, SRCC Narayana Health, Mumbai, the sudden forces acting on the body during a jump can affect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.

“A sudden shock-like effect at the start of the jump, and then an abrupt jerk at the bottom of the jump with head-down posture can result in bloodshot eyes,” she tells indianexpress.com.

Dr Sharoon Shitole, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Managing Director, Vencer Hospital, Pune, further explains that the rapid fall followed by the sudden recoil of the bungee cord briefly increases pressure in the veins of the head and eyes, making “delicate surface blood vessels to rupture.”

What exactly is happening inside the eye?

In most cases, the redness is caused by a subconjunctival haemorrhage—a small bleed beneath the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. The trapped blood creates a bright red patch that can look dramatic but is usually painless.

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According to Dr Thacker, tiny blood vessels in the eyes can burst due to “rapid gravitational changes and jerky movements” during a jump, along with changes in body pressure.

Dr Shitole adds, “During the fall, a person may instinctively hold their breath, tighten the chest and abdomen or strain against a closed airway.” This further increases pressure inside the head and eyes, making the tiny blood vessels more likely to rupture.

Is it always harmless?

Fortunately, most cases involve a subconjunctival haemorrhage, which is generally harmless. Dr Thacker notes that the eyes can also appear pink-red because of disturbances in the eye’s tear film.

However, she cautions, “Sometimes there could be intraocular haemorrhage like vitreous haemorrhage or subhyaloid haemorrhage due to rapid deceleration during the jump, which could cause vision issues.”

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Dr Shitole also warns, “After the jump, blurred vision, flashes, new floaters, eye pain or a curtain-like shadow in the vision should be treated as warning signs requiring urgent examination.”

Who is at greater risk?

Tiny blood vessels in the eyes can burst due to rapid gravitational changes and jerky movements during a jump (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Some people are more vulnerable than others.

“People on blood thinners (cardiac patients) are definitely at a much higher risk, patients with hypertension, and other multiple risk factors,” Dr Thacker notes.

Dr Shitole adds that people with high myopia, previous retinal tears or detachment, glaucoma, recent eye surgery, uncontrolled blood pressure, bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners should seek medical advice before participating in bungee jumping.

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How long does it take to recover?

A simple subconjunctival haemorrhage usually clears on its own within one to three weeks, depending on its size.

“Larger patches may take up to three weeks and can change from bright red to yellow or brown as the blood is gradually absorbed, much like a bruise on the skin,” Dr Shitole tells indianexpress.com.

Artificial tears may help reduce irritation or grittiness, but they do not make the blood disappear faster.

Dr Thacker further clarifies, “A intra eye bleed (vitreous haemorrhage or sub hyaloid haemorrhage) may take up to six weeks to clear up (with the help of medication). Sometimes, surgery may be required.”

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Can you reduce the risk?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent eye bleeding during a bungee jump.

However, experts recommend choosing a reputable operator with trained staff, ensuring the equipment is properly maintained, following all safety instructions and avoiding prolonged breath-holding or forceful straining during the jump.

What should you do if it happens?

If you notice a bloodshot eye after bungee jumping, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.

“The first thing one must do upon noticing a bleed / red eye is apply an ice pack for an hour at least. That may help arrest the bleed. Then, consult a doctor at the earliest,” advises Dr Thacker.

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Even if the redness seems mild, it is best to get your eyes examined. If you experience blurred vision, flashes, new floaters, eye pain or a curtain-like shadow over your vision, seek urgent ophthalmic care immediately, as these could indicate a more serious eye injury.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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