Air pollutants are extremely harmful to your eyes - causing pain and burning, or constant itching or redness after going out
Even as the air quality in New Delhi has been deteriorating with toxic smog engulfing the national capital, the AQI levels have risen dangerously high – resulting in several health issues including problems with breathing, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes and eye strain, among others. According to experts, your eyes particularly get affected by pollution causing grave discomfort and permanent sight issues.
How does air pollution damage your eyes?
Doctors say air pollutants are extremely harmful to your eyes. If you feel pain and burning, or constant itching or redness after going out, pollution could be one of the factors. The pollutants - composed version of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and 10), Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Oxides, and many such harmful elements, are usually derived from vehicular pollution, industries using fossils, stubble burning, and several other factors.
High levels of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in the air cause severe discomfort and irritation. Most common hydrocarbon chemicals include C4 and C5 olefins which have comparatively stronger effects on the eye. Also, the high presence of aerosol in the air leads to itching and eye injury.
Pollutants are also produced due to automobile exhaust which leads to irritation in the eyes for up to four hours on direct exposure. The levels of these irritants are unaffected by alterations in humidity or temperature but the degree of irritation depends upon the type of fuel used.
Signs and symptoms of eye infections triggered by pollution
According to doctors, exposure to air pollution causes grave injuries, allergies, and even permanent eye damage. It happens when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears, and, as a result, stop being moistened and nourished properly. Redness, soreness, and inflammation appear, and the eyes become sensitive to light, wind, and smoke. A few other signs and symptoms include:
- Burning sensation
- Irritation
- Watery eyes
- Uncontrolled discharge from the eye
- Visual impairment such as abnormal colour vision and refractive errors – Difficulty in opening the eyes
- Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, i.e. cataract – Various forms of cancers
- A common case of conjunctivitis
- Dryness, gritty feeling of foreign body in the eye
Ways to protect your eyes from toxic smoke and pollution
Doctors say your treatment for eye infections depends on what is causing it. Even though cooling the eyes by washing them gently with clean water is the first home remedy one may rely on, it is better to show it to a doctor if your symptoms persist.
A few preventive measures you need to take to avoid and reduce the eye infection mainly caused by air pollution include:
- Do not open the windows of your car or vehicles during peak traffic hours
- Do not send children to play outdoors on days when public health warning signals toxic or high pollution levels
- Make sure to wash your hands often and do not touch your eyes directly
- Eat a balanced diet and do not compromise on intake of foods
- Do not rub your eyes
- If you are suffering from eye dryness, consult a doctor for eye drops to keep them moistened
- Cut down your screen hours
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have an infection
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