New Delhi

Heatwave conditions intensifying across several parts of the country are beginning to affect not only physical health but also neurological and eye health, doctors have warned, advising people to take extra precautions amid soaring temperatures.

Medical experts said prolonged exposure to extreme heat, dehydration and direct sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal balance, leading to fatigue, dizziness, severe headaches, migraines, heat exhaustion and, in some cases, neurological complications, particularly among children, elderly people and those with pre-existing illnesses.

Doctors in Delhi-NCR hospitals reported a noticeable rise in heat-related complaints, including dehydration-induced headaches, eye irritation and neurological symptoms.

Dr Vinit Suri, Senior Consultant in Neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said the ongoing heatwave is causing a spike in neurological cases at outpatient departments.

“We have observed nearly a 20 per cent increase in OPD visits in recent days, with many patients reporting severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, fainting spells and worsening migraine symptoms,” he said.

According to him, excessive heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. He added that dehydration and extreme temperatures may disturb electrolyte balance and affect blood circulation to the brain, placing stress on the nervous system.

Dr Suri cautioned that symptoms such as persistent confusion, slurred speech, unusual drowsiness, seizures or unconsciousness should be treated as medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.

Dr Sushma Sharma, Director of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, said people suffering from migraine, epilepsy and other neurological conditions are particularly vulnerable during extreme summer conditions.

“High temperatures, poor sleep due to hot nights and frequent power outages can aggravate neurological disorders. People should avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours whenever possible,” she said.

She advised those going outdoors to use umbrellas, sunglasses and head coverings, while stressing the importance of staying hydrated. Natural electrolyte-rich drinks such as coconut water, buttermilk and fresh fruit juices can help replenish fluids lost through sweating, she added.

Doctors also highlighted the growing impact of summer heat on eye health, saying prolonged exposure to sunlight, hot winds and dust often leads to irritation and infections.

Dr Neeraj Sanduja, Director at Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, said cases of dry eyes, allergies and eye strain tend to increase during the summer months.

“Excessive exposure to strong sunlight, dust and dehydration can cause dryness, redness, irritation and burning sensations in the eyes. We are also seeing cases of allergic conjunctivitis and corneal sunburns,” he said.

Children and people spending long hours outdoors should take additional precautions, he added.

Dr Namrata Sharma, Professor at the Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences in Delhi, said indoor factors such as prolonged air-conditioner use and increased screen time are also worsening eye-related problems.

“Dry indoor air combined with excessive use of mobile phones and laptops reduces natural tear production and contributes to eye dryness. Many people ignore early symptoms such as redness, irritation and blurred vision, which may become more serious if untreated,” she said.

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