Air pollution has a negative impact on all organs of the human body including the lungs and the heart. Being one of the most sensitive organs of our body, our eyes are always at a higher risk because of continuous exposure to the toxins in air pollution. India is ranked 21 among the World’s 30 most polluted countries and the number of Indians who suffer from eye-related discomfort is on the rise.
In most major cities in India, the air quality index ranges from bad to severe.
Prolonged exposure to the chemicals in the air leads to eye problems like burning, watering, blurred vision, redness in the eye, itching, chronic discomfort, allergic conjunctivitis, other forms of allergies, and many more problems. A recent study has shown that a large number of Indians suffer from ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’ – burning, gritty eyes due to pollution – and this number is expected to increase in the future with the rising air pollution levels.
While one cannot control the pollution levels in the air, it is up to us to take measures to minimize the risk of eye damage and keep our vision healthy. Some easy-to-follow steps that can be followed are mentioned below:
– Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching/rubbing your eyes
– Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals in the air by staying indoors during peak hours of traffic and other pollutants.
– If you must step out, wear good quality, protective glasses that keep the dust and chemical particles at bay
– Use eye-drops recommended by the doctors
– Rinse your face with clean water once home and preferably before you sleep.
-. Avoid direct splashing of water into your eyes, to prevent your tear-film disruption which serves as a natural protection for your eyes from dust and particulate matter.
Irritation in the eye is one of the leading reasons for the visit to ophthalmologists’ clinics in India. Although it is a good exercise to visit your eye doctor ( Ophthalmologist) regularly to keep your eyes healthy and discomfort-free.
Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospitals are equipped with experienced doctors and specialists to identify and treat the causes of your discomfort while helping you provide the best care for your eyes.
