Air pollution It is a serious concern not only for our lungs but also for our eyes. “Pollutants include emissions from vehicles, factories and indoor sources, which can cause many eye problems,” said Dr Ankita Sabharwal, Senior Consultant, Sri Jeevan Hospital, New Delhi.
Common problems include dry, red, and itchy eyes, while conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are more serious. “During heavy smog, like in winter, the risk to eye health increases greatly, so our eyes need extra care,” said Dr Savarwal.
Dr. According to Sabharwal, pollution causes burning and irritation in the eyes, itching, watery discharge, swelling of the eyeball and poor vision. “Continuous exposure These pollutants also damage the sensitive structures of the eye, leading to permanent vision impairment. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants damages the eyes and impairs eye health. Therefore, there is a need to adopt preventive measures, especially when the air quality is poor,” said Dr Sabharwal.
The AQI is in the severe category after the temperature dropped in New Delhi on Tuesday. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)
What can help?
Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your eyes from all these pollutants.
*Avoid prolonged exposure to pollution.
* Wear safety glasses or sunglasses that protect you the eye from harmful particles.
*Ensure good hygiene, wash hands frequently, and avoid direct contact of pollutants with your eyes.
“If you experience the following: redness, itching, or blurred vision, see an ophthalmologist to avoid self-medication as inappropriate treatment can worsen the condition,” said Dr Savarwal.
If you are experiencing itching, dryness, or redness, Do not rub your eyesDr. Harshvardhan Ghorpade, Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgeon, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital warned. “Use eye drops to lubricate them, and if you suspect an eye infection, consult a doctor immediately. The best way to protect an organ as sensitive as the eye is to reduce the level of air pollution, but because that is not possible in our personal capacity, it does not endanger our vision. We have to take all possible precautions,” said Dr. Ghorpade.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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