Air pollution poses a health risk for people of all ages. With pollution at an all-time high in today’s highly industrialised world, pollution is among the top causes of respiratory and eye problems. While face masks help reduce the inhalation of particulate matter, our eyes still remain exposed to unclean air and smoke.
At some particular times of the year, the recorded pollution is so high that the general population complains of eye discomfort 3-4 times more than they do during the rest of the year. This is why safeguarding your eyes becomes more crucial than ever to protect yourself from eye infections and unwarranted discomfort.
The nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitric acid in the polluted air can have an adverse impact on your eyes’ tear film, making it more acidic. This can lead to various eye problems, such as watery eyes, irritation or redness in the eyes, burning or an itchy feeling, etc.
If you fail to address these eye issues immediately, they can lead to severe corneal problems over time, which can severely affect your vision.
Here are a few tips you can follow to prevent eye infections and keep your eyes healthy:
- Consume a well-balanced diet
- Wear sunglasses when going outdoors
- Avoid opening car windows during peak traffic hours
- Use cold compresses to reduce eye inflammation and irritation
- Do not rub your eyes, even if they are itchy
- Get an air purifying system for your home and office space to avoid catching airborne eye infections
- Avoid wearing contact lenses if your eyes are feeling irritated
- Wash your hands once you return home
Additionally, if you wear contact lenses, you are advised to always clean your contacts with lens solution while wearing them or removing them. Moreover, in order to protect your eyes from getting too irritated or dry, use lubricating eye drops. Wearing protective eyeglasses can also be a good measure for protecting your eyes during high pollution levels.
- Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection you can catch if your eyes are exposed to polluted air for prolonged periods of time.
Who is At Risk of Developing Eye Infections Due to Polluted Air?
People residing in extremely polluted areas are at the highest risk of catching serious eye infections due to constant exposure to harmful pollutants in the air. The pollutants put strain on the eyes, making them susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
According to studies, children under 18 and women are more vulnerable to catching such infections. Children have underdeveloped immune systems and are exposed to polluted air more frequently due to outdoor activities, which makes them more prone to infections. Women, on the other hand, have constantly changing hormones and a higher sensitivity to environmental changes, which possibly plays a role in their increased vulnerability to eye infections.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing irritated, inflamed, red, or swollen eyes, you must schedule an appointment with an eye specialist at the earliest. Sohana Eye Hospital is the best eye hospital in Chandigarh with some of the most trusted eye specialists, providing long-lasting relief to their patients every day.
