Eye Care During Pollution: What should you keep in mind?

Various studies have shown that air pollution is one of the leading causes of eye ailments in all age groups. The main contributors to air pollution are the open burning of agricultural waste and toxic fumes from vehicles and industries.

Effect of pollution on eyes

The rise in air pollution, namely the increased concentration of nitric oxide, sulphur and nitrogen dioxide, leads to the redness of the eye, watery eyes, and blurry vision. It may also cause dry eyes that are characterised by a gritty feeling, dryness, and a foreign body in the eye or an eye allergy characterised by eyelid swelling, discharge, blurring of vision, and increased risk of infection.

How to protect eyes from pollution?

There are numerous steps that can be taken to protect one’s eyes from pollution.

They are –

a. Limit exposure to pollution:

Heed public advisories that indicate an increase in pollution levels in one’s surroundings and avoid venturing out during those days. In case it is inevitable that one moves out, then all necessary precautions such as wearing protective eyeglasses must be followed.

b. Build immunity:

One must eat a healthy diet consisting of salads and vegetables like carrots, drink ample amounts of water and ensure that their body builds the ability to fight the worst of conditions.

c. Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking

d. Reduce interface with air pollutants:

One must avoid visiting industrialised areas where high pollution levels and air quality are at dangerous levels. One must also ensure that they close the car windows during peak traffic hours and try to turn off the car as it can reduce the release of pollutants.

e. Additional precautionary measures:

For proper eye care, one must install a high-quality air filter or air purifier system at home to help protect the eyes from dust and other pollutants. While moving outdoors, one must wear sunglasses and use eye drops or lubricants, as prescribed by the doctor, to offer comfort to the eye. Also, one must avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup if one’s eyes feel sore.

How to protect eyes from dust?

In order to protects one’s eye from persistent dust in the environment, the following measures are to be taken – 

a. Avoid rubbing your eyes when particles enter them, as they can damage the sensitive parts of one’s eye. Instead, one must choose to wash them thoroughly with water.

b. In case one experiences inflammation in the eye, they must apply a cool compress to help reduce inflammation.

c. Washing hands frequently, especially after you’ve been in a public place, is a good means to prevent the entry of dust into the eye from the hand.

Why CFS?

Reputed as one of the top eye care hospitals in the whole of India, Centre for Sight, with its state of the art equipment, skilled doctors and successful treating methods, will ensure that you get the best possible care for your ailing eye. Established in 1996, we have only strived to provide our patients with the most appropriate and specialised eye care. The ever-growing list of satisfied patients is testimony to our ability to help our patients out.

Article: Eye Care During Pollution: What should you keep in mind?
Author: CFS Editorial Team  |   Mar 08 2022 | UPDATED 02:00 IST

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.