Not only the respiratory system, air pollution can also seriously affect the eyes

Air pollution problems can range from minimal or no symptoms to chronic discomfort and irritation such as itching, tingling, foreign body sensation, irritating conjunctivitis and worsening of allergic symptoms.

It has been observed that pollution also causes a blur in the eyes and leads to vision problems.

If you think that only the lungs or the respiratory system are affected by polluted air containing high concentrations of toxic gases and particles in suspension, think again. Medical experts claim that poor air quality can also cause many eye problems, including corneal damage. "Unlike the nose or mouth, it is very difficult to cover the eyes, which makes the eyes vulnerable to the effects of air pollution – just like the lungs," said Dr. Rajesh Sinha, ophthalmologist, Indian Institute of Medical Sciences. (AIIMS), says IANS.

He added that the ocular surface of the eye is directly in contact with the environment and is therefore the most exposed to air pollutants.

With regard to air pollution problems, the indicators can range from the least important or the least symptomatic symptom to chronic discomfort and irritation such as itching, burning sensation, foreign body sensation, conjunctivitis irritating, worsening of allergic symptoms or even keratitis. inflammation of the cornea.

"Damage in the cornea occurs as a result of exposure to pollution over several years.This is not an immediate reaction.The dry eye, if it persists for a long time, can damage the cornea. affects the long-term vision.Rubbing the eyes irritation can also affect the cornea, "said Dr. Tinku Bali Razdan, ophthalmologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi.

"Apart from these, there is a good chance that the eyes are dry when the quantity and quality of the water deteriorate, which also causes irritation of the eyes, discomfort and redness", added Dr. Razdan.

In addition to PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are known to be the most harmful air pollutants, there is sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and other chemical gases that can also cause eye irritation.

"This is called chemical conjunctivitis.It irritates the eyes because of inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the outer layer of the eye," Dr. Razdan explained.

The experts pointed out that more than the elderly, children or people aged between 20 and 40 years old are at the greatest risk of ocular problems due to pollution.

Although pollution can pose problems for everyone, health experts have noted that there may also be specific situations in which the eyes may be affected, particularly people wearing contact lenses. or already prone to eye allergies.

"People who wear contact lenses are more likely to face problems because they already have dry eyes.Every time the quality of the air decreases, discomfort increases, this that causes irritation and conjunctivitis.The same goes for people with ocular allergies, "Sinha said. declared.

Although ophthalmologists have indicated that eye problems related to pollution are not life-threatening, they can cause serious harm.

"If they are exposed to air pollution for a long time, these problems could become irreversible.We could be faced with longer damage.It was observed that the pollution also caused eye blur and led to vision disorders, the cases where people have been confronted with color contrast problems, "said Sinha.

Ophthalmologists also reported a 10 to 15% increase in the number of patients visiting OPDs to treat pollution-related eye allergies.

"There is an increase in the number of patients with symptoms of irritation, redness and fluctuating vision.There is also an increase in the number of dry eyes and infections due to reduced immunity", said Dr. Sanjay Dhawan, director and head of the department of vision, Max Healthcare.

Although it is not always possible to cover one's eyes, the experts suggested wearing protective goggles to avoid direct exposure to pollution.

"Wash your eyes with normal water once a day, frequent washing is not recommended because it causes a dryness.If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist", suggested the Dr. Sinha.

Dr. Razdan said that rubbing the eyes was strictly forbidden if there was irritation, as this would only make the problem worse.

"Lubricant, steroid-based, and antiallergic eye drops are recommended to provide relief.It is also recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses in case of irritation," Dr. Razdan added. .