Art patron and philanthropist Shalini Passi recently opened up about a common issue: her eyes water whenever she is in the sun. During an episode of Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives on Netflix, the seven women gathered for a lavish dinner in Mauritius, hosted by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. The mood was light, and they teased Shalini for usually skipping social events. “You don’t do lunches, so at least you dine,” Riddhima joked.
This topic has come up before. In a previous episode at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, the women mentioned Shalini’s absence and questioned how she gets her Vitamin D, given her sensitivity to sunlight. Maheep Kapoor humorously asked, “But how does she get her Vitamin D? It’s a very serious question.”
At dinner, Shalini explained that her eyes water in sunlight, causing discomfort and affecting her outdoor activities. While this might seem rare, it highlights a sensitivity that many overlook.
According to Lalita Arya, vice president of Derma Puritys Aesthetic Clinic, this watering of the eyes, or epiphora, can occur due to bright light. It overstimulates the nerves in the eye, leading to excessive tear production. Arya explains, “Reflex tearing is vital for protecting the eyes from UV light. However, it can also indicate other conditions like dry eye syndrome or allergies.”
Dr. Monica Kapoor, a celebrity cosmetologist and director of Flawless Cosmetic Clinic, agrees. She states, “Reflex tearing happens when bright light triggers tears to protect the eyes. Conditions like dry eye syndrome can worsen in sunlight, leading to more tears. Persistent watering with pain or vision changes may signal serious issues like keratitis or conjunctivitis, so consulting an eye specialist is essential.”
Arya adds that Shalini’s symptoms could be due to light sensitivity, known as photophobia. This condition causes excessive tearing and discomfort in bright light. An eye exam can help diagnose it by assessing how the eyes react in various light conditions.
Environmental factors like high UV exposure, wind, and pollution can worsen watery eyes in the sun, Dr. Kapoor explains. Lifestyle choices, such as spending long hours outdoors or excessive screen time, can also lead to dry eyes. To combat these issues, it’s advised to wear protective eyewear, use humidifiers indoors, and take breaks from screens.
As preventive measures, Arya recommends wearing sunglasses with full UV protection, using protective eye drops, and avoiding harsh environments. Wraparound sunglasses can shield the eyes from wind and dust, while artificial tears can help maintain moisture and reduce excessive tearing.
“Treatments for dry eye syndrome or allergies can help manage photophobia,” she notes. If symptoms persist, doctors might suggest punctal plugs or anti-inflammatory medications. It’s also beneficial to reduce screen time, stay hydrated, and use humidifiers in dry environments to improve eye health.
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