As smog and air pollution worsen in metropolitan areas, residents are increasingly exposed to the health hazards these harmful environmental elements pose. Among the multifarious health challenges, urban life’s adverse impact on eye health is one of the lesser-known ones. Concerningly, continuous exposure to polluted air can lead to chronic dry eye conditions and other ocular problems, the symptoms of which might start with eye irritation, redness and great discomfort.
Reportedly, three out of four households in Delhi NCR report experiencing health issues from toxic air, including burning eyes and eye irritation. About 25% specifically report burning eyes, headaches, and sleep disturbances linked to poor air quality.
Video
Understanding smog’s impact on eye health
Smog is a toxic mix of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, which forms when sunlight reacts with vehicular and industrial emissions near the ground. The eyes rely on a protective film of tears to stay moist and shield against environmental irritants. Pollutants in smog disrupt this tear film, leading to evaporation and inadequate lubrication. These pollutants penetrate the delicate surface of the eyes, impairing tear production and causing inflammation.
After major pollution spikes like Diwali, particulate matter often exceeds 400 µg/m³ (severe category), far above the safe standard of 60 µg/m³, aggravating eye irritation and ocular allergies. People commuting by open vehicles are twice as likely to report symptoms like eye redness, irritation, tearing, burning, blurred vision due to eye fatigue and dryness compared to those not exposed to heavy traffic pollution. Beyond discomfort, untreated dry eyes can impair vision and increase susceptibility to infections and inflammation.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as allergies, or those who wear contact lenses, are especially vulnerable to these damaging elements. Symptoms triggered or worsened by smog include itching, gritty or sandy sensations, burning, watering, and blurred vision. Moreover, women over 40 are particularly prone to eye surface conditions exacerbated by air pollution.
Precautionary measures to embrace
Since precaution is the best cure, one needs to adopt practices that effectively shield the eyes from these harsh elements. Hydration is a simple yet essential protective step to maintain eye moisture. Drinking adequate water supports tear production, helping counter smog-induced dryness. Avoiding rubbing irritated eyes reduces the likelihood of further damage or infection.
Experts recommend wearing UV-protection sunglasses outdoors to shield eyes from direct exposure to airborne particles. Staying indoors or avoiding peak pollution hours, whenever possible, also helps reduce risk. Regularly flushing eyes with water and using lubricating artificial tears periodically can provide symptomatic relief. Indoor air purifiers are also valuable for improving air quality at home or work, which can make things significantly more manageable.
If symptoms persist, consulting an ophthalmologist is important to prevent long-term consequences, including chronic dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface diseases linked to pollution.
Keeping the aforementioned points in mind, it’s clear to see that the rise of smog in urban environments is more than a respiratory threat, it silently impacts millions’ eye health daily. Understanding the connection between air pollution and dry eyes encourages proactive care, making it easier to preserve and improve eye health and helping prevent lasting damage.
Dr. M. Vamshidhar, M.B.B.S. DNB, FICO(UK), Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Regional Medical Director at Maxivision Eye Hospital
Reportedly, three out of four households in Delhi NCR report experiencing health issues from toxic air, including burning eyes and eye irritation. About 25% specifically report burning eyes, headaches, and sleep disturbances linked to poor air quality.
Video
Understanding smog’s impact on eye health
Smog is a toxic mix of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, which forms when sunlight reacts with vehicular and industrial emissions near the ground. The eyes rely on a protective film of tears to stay moist and shield against environmental irritants. Pollutants in smog disrupt this tear film, leading to evaporation and inadequate lubrication. These pollutants penetrate the delicate surface of the eyes, impairing tear production and causing inflammation.
After major pollution spikes like Diwali, particulate matter often exceeds 400 µg/m³ (severe category), far above the safe standard of 60 µg/m³, aggravating eye irritation and ocular allergies. People commuting by open vehicles are twice as likely to report symptoms like eye redness, irritation, tearing, burning, blurred vision due to eye fatigue and dryness compared to those not exposed to heavy traffic pollution. Beyond discomfort, untreated dry eyes can impair vision and increase susceptibility to infections and inflammation.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as allergies, or those who wear contact lenses, are especially vulnerable to these damaging elements. Symptoms triggered or worsened by smog include itching, gritty or sandy sensations, burning, watering, and blurred vision. Moreover, women over 40 are particularly prone to eye surface conditions exacerbated by air pollution.
Precautionary measures to embrace
Since precaution is the best cure, one needs to adopt practices that effectively shield the eyes from these harsh elements. Hydration is a simple yet essential protective step to maintain eye moisture. Drinking adequate water supports tear production, helping counter smog-induced dryness. Avoiding rubbing irritated eyes reduces the likelihood of further damage or infection.
Experts recommend wearing UV-protection sunglasses outdoors to shield eyes from direct exposure to airborne particles. Staying indoors or avoiding peak pollution hours, whenever possible, also helps reduce risk. Regularly flushing eyes with water and using lubricating artificial tears periodically can provide symptomatic relief. Indoor air purifiers are also valuable for improving air quality at home or work, which can make things significantly more manageable.
If symptoms persist, consulting an ophthalmologist is important to prevent long-term consequences, including chronic dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface diseases linked to pollution.
Keeping the aforementioned points in mind, it’s clear to see that the rise of smog in urban environments is more than a respiratory threat, it silently impacts millions’ eye health daily. Understanding the connection between air pollution and dry eyes encourages proactive care, making it easier to preserve and improve eye health and helping prevent lasting damage.
Dr. M. Vamshidhar, M.B.B.S. DNB, FICO(UK), Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Regional Medical Director at Maxivision Eye Hospital
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