Air—the life-sustaining energy is now tormenting the human body in ways one can’t imagine. We’re no longer steadily reaching an alarming level; we already are at a stage when the air quality in India can literally “Take Our Breath Away!” The poor air quality in our country almost seems hopeless, and in winter, large swathes of North India are blanketed under a thick layer of smog. Trying to see through this haze is torturous, and constant exposure to contaminated air causes a number of eye conditions such as irritation, redness, itchiness, watering, strain, blurring and sometimes, even photophobia.
Most of us are blinded by the belief that Air Pollution is only restricted to Delhi or a few other metropolises in the country. Here’s a reality check —22 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in India. In fact, 99 % of Indians are exposed to air that is above the WHO’s defined safety limits; which is almost all of us! Many public health experts have also flagged a spike in the number of patients with Dry Eye Syndrome in the last few years; directly linked to the surge of air pollution levels in India.
Dr Tinku Bali Razdan, Ophthalmologist at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, has been quoted in a leading newspaper saying that long term exposure to pollution leads to irritation in the eyes, discomfort and redness. “Apart from Particulate Matter 2.5 and10, which are known to be the most harmful air pollutants, there is sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and other chemical gases which can equally cause irritation in the eyes. This is called chemical conjunctivitis that irritates the eye because of the inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the outer layer of the eye.” She says that those aged between 20 and 40 years are at greater risk of eye-related problems caused by pollution.
Common Eye Problems Caused by Smog/Air Pollution
- Burning sensation or discomfort
- Watery eyes, excessive tearing
- Sore eyes
- Redness
- Mucus discharge in and around the eye area
- Swollen eyelid
- Itchy eyes
- Blurring of vision
- Dry eyes followed with a gritty feeling
What Should You Do When A Pollutant Enters Your Eyes?
First things first: avoid rubbing your eyes! Physical pollutants like dust, pet dander, skin flakes, pollen and ash form 25 percent of all pollutants found in the air and can easily enter your eyes causing utter discomfort. Often when this happens, you try getting someone to blow air into your eyes but that hardly does the job. So what’s the best way to expel the offending object?
Immediately flush your eyes either with cool water or use a prescription lubricating eye drop to moisten your eye’s surface. If you live in a city with high PM 2.5 concentrations, you should lubricate and clean your eyes every day with a generic or prescribed eye drop. In case the irritation persists, take an appointment with your ophthalmologist for a proper diagnosis and follow the appropriate line of treatment.
Ways To Minimize The Impact Of Pollution On Your Eyes
According to experts, irritation caused by solid pollutants is short-term. However, ambient air infused with toxic gases not only heavily damages our respiratory organs and skin but compounds like Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide in the air make the tear film of our eyes acidic. Such instability in the tear film can induce a number of eye problems – Dry Eye Syndrome being one of the commonest eye problems in smog-hit areas.
Here Are Some Possible Remedies
- Drink Plenty Of Water: Staying hydrated is a solution to a myriad of health issues and it also aids in sufficient tear formation. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water is an effective lifestyle choice that we should all make
- Eat A Healthy Diet: Include food rich in Omega 3 fatty acid which not only reduces the risk of dry eyes but also improves ocular health. A 2018 study showed that daily supplementation with 1,000 mg omega-3s for 3 months in 518 men and women (average age about 40 years) living in northern India reduced symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Besides fish, nuts, seeds, and fortified foods like eggs and yogurt, one should also include lots of green leafy vegetables in the diet chart. Six Foods That Will Make Your Eyes Healthier.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Air Pollution
- Stay Indoors: Practically, this is an unattainable goal for many of us but on days when the pollution levels are so high that there is a public health warning, stay indoors!
- Minimize The Use Of Contact Lenses & Eye Makeup: Protective glasses over contact lenses is a better choice if the air contaminant levels are high. Think of it this way, what would add a protective layer to your eyes – shades or contact lenses? And which one will make your eyes more exposed to pollutants? You’ve got your answer. Avoid makeup and contact lenses if your eyes feel sore, itchy or red.
- Air Filter: Install a high-quality air filter or air purifier system at home to mitigate the impact of environmental pollution. Close your car windows during peak traffic hours and install a filter, if that’s an option.
- Wear Protective Glasses: On days when stepping out becomes unavoidable, make sure you wear Polarized shades, especially while doing high-glare activities around smog. Polarized lenses help reduce glare and provide additional clarity while keeping your eyes protected. Find our list of top rated protective sunglasses that you shouldn’t delay buying: The Killer Aviator, The Impenetrable Wayfarers, The Charm of Hexa, The Old-School Cat Eye
