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Delhi Air Pollution: What causes harm to eyes? Know expert-backed tips to keep yourself safe from toxic smoke
It’s that time of the year again when air pollution has hit the national capital again and AQI levels are rising. According to experts, pollutants present in the air lead to various health problems – including eye and respiratory problems, which have serious implications. The most common air pollutants include carbon monoxide and arsenic, which cause vision problems, eye irritation, redness, swelling and loss of lubrication in the eyes. And so, it is important to take care. Read on to know how to do this.
Air pollutants are extremely harmful to your eyes – causing pain and irritation, or persistent itching or redness after exposure.
Even as the air quality in New Delhi is deteriorating due to toxic smoke spreading across the national capital, AQI levels have gone dangerously high – resulting in breathing problems, sore throat, itchy eyes or Many health problems are arising including watery eyes and eye strain. , According to experts, your eyes are especially affected by pollution, causing severe discomfort and leading to permanent vision problems.
How does air pollution harm your eyes?
Doctors say that air pollutants are extremely harmful for your eyes. If you feel pain and burning, or persistent itching or redness after venturing out, pollution may be a cause. Pollutants – Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10), nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides and versions of many such harmful elements, usually produced by vehicular pollution, industries using fossils, sewage burning and many other factors.
High levels of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in the air cause severe discomfort and irritation. The most common hydrocarbon chemicals include C4 and C5 phenols which have comparatively stronger effects on the eyes. Furthermore, the high presence of aerosols in the air causes itching and eye injuries.
Automobile exhaust also produces pollutants which, upon direct contact, cause irritation to the eyes for up to four hours. The levels of these irritants are unaffected by changes in humidity or temperature but the degree of irritation depends on the type of fuel used.
Signs and symptoms of eye infections caused by pollution
According to doctors, exposure to air pollution can cause serious injuries, allergies and even permanent eye damage. This happens when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears, and as a result, stop getting proper moisture and nutrition. Redness, soreness and swelling appear and the eyes become sensitive to light, wind and smoke. Some other signs and symptoms include:
- burning sensation
- irritated
- watery eyes
- uncontrolled eye discharge
- Visual impairment such as abnormal color vision and refractive errors – difficulty opening eyes
- Clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, i.e. cataract – various forms of cancer
- A common case of conjunctivitis
- Dryness in the eyes, sensation of a foreign object in the eye
Ways to protect your eyes from toxic smoke and pollution
Doctors say your treatment for an eye infection depends on what’s causing it. Although cooling the eyes by gently washing them with clean water is the first home remedy one can rely on, it is better to consult a doctor if your symptoms persist.
To avoid and reduce eye infections mainly caused by air pollution, you need to take some preventive measures:
- Do not open the windows of your car or vehicles during peak traffic hours
- Do not send children to play outside on days when public health warnings indicate toxic or high pollution levels
- Make sure to wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes directly
- Eat a balanced diet and do not compromise on food intake
- don’t rub your eyes
- If you suffer from dry eyes, consult a doctor for eye drops to keep them moist.
- reduce your screen hours
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have an infection
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