Expert tips to save your eyes from the noxious air pollution so common during this time of year

Air pollution reaches a peak in Delhi and its surrounding regions every winter. This can be disastrous for your eye health if you do not take proper care.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: October 25, 2020 12:38 am

As Delhi reels under another tryst with air pollution, there has been a spike in the number of patients reporting irritation in eyes because of toxic pollutants. The noxious air causes dry eye disease, which if left untreated, could lead to vision problems. The air pollution reaches a peak in Delhi and its surrounding regions every winter, when pollution from stubble burning and local sources combines with the suspended water droplets in the lower atmosphere to form a thick blanket of noxious smog, thus creating health hazards. Also Read - Beware! Air pollution can lead to irreversible blindness. Here’s how to stay safe

On Wednesday, the capital city’s 24-hour average air quality index stood at 258, which falls in the ‘poor’ category. The System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) categorises air quality in the 0-50 range as good, 51-100 as satisfactory, 101-200 as moderate, 201-300 as poor, 301-400 as very poor and above 400 as severe. Also Read - Protect your lungs from air pollution: Herbs and home remedies that help

Increased screen time along with pollution plays havoc with vision health

As a result, various cases of irritation in eyes have been reported, especially in children as well as office-goers due to the deteriorating air quality. Children’s eyes were already reeling under the increased screen time because of the coronavirus pandemic and now they are having irritation in eyes because of chemicals, and pollutants in the air. Dr Sandeep Buttan, Ophthalmologist and Global Technical Lead, Eye Health ASIA at Sightsavers, says, “Air pollution can have deleterious effects on the health of the eyes. Various pollutants such as suspended particulate matter, hydrocarbons, olefins, cyclohexene , nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon Monoxide etc. are responsible for most of the short term and long-term harm to our eyes.” Also Read - Air pollution exposure may increase the risk of oral cavities and mouth cancer

Vision-related problems can range from mild to serious

As toxic pollutants come in contact with outer surface of the eye, especially cornea and conjunctiva, they feel itchy, irritated and become red with a moderate to sharp burning sensation. Dr Buttan says that the common eye problems associated with air pollution range from excessive watering and irritation in the eyes to more serious issues like early cataracts and macular degeneration. It is also associated with increased incidence of dry eyes and eye allergy with severe itching, redness, discharge, swelling of the eyes.

Tips to deal with these problems

According to Dr Buttan, you need to take a few extra precautions when there is a high level of environmental pollution in your surroundings. He lists a few things that you can do to keep your eyes safe.

Maintain a healthy level of hydration (drinking sufficient water). This helps to maintain lubrication of the eyes.
Maintaining eye hygiene (avoid touching or rubbing the eyes frequently) helps prevent some of the symptoms.
Avoiding especially dusty environments/ situations and using protective eye gear like good quality sunglasses or eye shields can reduce exposure to particulate matter and fumes.
Frequent washing of eyes with clean water, especially after coming back from an extended outdoors activity can also help reduce the load of pollutants in tears.
Special care must be taken by contact lens users and those who have had eye surgery to avoid introduction of particulate matter behind the lens or over the surgical sites.
Use prescription eye drops i.e. lubricant eye drops and anti-allergic eye drops as directed by your ophthalmologist. But avoid self-medication as some eye drops (such as steroids) may be harmful in certain cases.

Published : October 24, 2020 4:54 pm | Updated:October 25, 2020 12:38 am

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