Air pollutants are extremely harmful to the eyes: they cause pain and burning, or constant itching or redness after going outside.
Even as the air quality in New Delhi has been deteriorating with toxic smog enveloping the national capital, AQI levels have risen dangerously, leading to several health problems, including respiratory problems, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes and visual fatigue, among others. . According to experts, the eyes are especially affected by pollution, causing serious discomfort and permanent vision problems.
How does air pollution damage your eyes?
Doctors say that air pollutants are extremely harmful to the eyes. If you experience pain and burning, or constant itching or redness after going outside, pollution could be one of the factors. The pollutants, a version composed of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10), nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and many similar harmful elements, are generally derived from vehicular pollution, fossil-using industries, stubble burning and various other factors.
High levels of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in the air cause serious discomfort and irritation. The most common hydrocarbon chemicals include C4 and C5 olefins, which have comparatively stronger effects on the eyes. In addition, the high presence of aerosols in the air causes itching and eye injuries.
Pollutants are also produced due to automobile exhaust, causing eye irritation for up to four hours after direct exposure. The levels of these irritants are not affected by changes in humidity or temperature, but the degree of irritation depends on the type of fuel used.
Signs and symptoms of eye infections caused by pollution
According to doctors, exposure to air pollution causes serious injuries, allergies and even permanent eye damage. It occurs when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears and, as a result, they stop being properly moistened and nourished. Redness, pain and inflammation appear and the eyes become sensitive to light, wind and smoke. Some other signs and symptoms include:
- Burning sensation
- Irritation
- teary eyes
- Uncontrolled discharge from the eye.
- Visual impairment, such as abnormal color vision and refractive errors: difficulty opening the eyes.
- Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, i.e. cataracts – Various forms of cancer
- A common case of conjunctivitis
- Dryness, gritty sensation of a foreign body in the eye.
Ways to protect your eyes from toxic smoke and pollution
Doctors say treatment for eye infections depends on the cause. Although cooling the eyes by gently washing them with clean water is the first home remedy you can rely on, it is best to show it to a doctor if the symptoms persist.
Some preventive measures that you should take to avoid and reduce eye infection caused mainly by air pollution include:
- Do not open the windows of your car or vehicles during peak traffic hours.
- Don’t send children to play outdoors on days when public health warnings indicate toxic or high pollution levels.
- Make sure you wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes directly.
- Eat a balanced diet and do not compromise on food intake.
- Don’t rub your eyes
- If you suffer from dry eyes, see a doctor about giving you eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
- Reduce your screen hours
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have an infection.
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