New Delhi, Jan 17: While air pollution is widely known to trigger respiratory and cardiac issues, doctors warn it also significantly affects eye health, increasing the risk of infections and aggravating existing ocular conditions.
Experts point to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, as the main culprit behind eye problems such as allergic conjunctivitis, scratches on the cornea, dryness, blurred vision, and heightened sensitivity to light.
“Every winter, my clinic sees a surge in patients complaining of red, itchy, watery, and burning eyes. High air pollution, especially PM2.5 particles, is the primary cause,” said Dr Ajay Sharma, co-founder of Eye Q Eye Hospital. These particles, emitted from vehicles, dust, burning waste, and firecrackers, are tiny enough to settle on the eye’s surface, irritating it and weakening the natural tear protection.
Children, the elderly, office workers, and post-surgery patients are particularly vulnerable during smog heavy winters, Dr Sharma added.
Dr Taru Dewan, head of ophthalmology at RML Hospital, noted that lingering winter smog exacerbates allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye conditions. She advised maintaining hygiene and avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes with unclean hands to prevent infections.
“Pollution can aggravate dry eyes, especially in those using contact lenses or staring at screens for long hours,” said Dr Umesh Bareja, senior consultant at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital. He also highlighted smoking, including passive smoking, as a risk factor for cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, and macular degeneration.
Dr JS Bhalla of the All India Ophthalmological Society emphasized that outdoor and indoor pollutants, including PM2.5, contribute not only to ocular diseases but also to systemic conditions like Alzheimer’s and stroke. Clinics have reported a 30% rise in dry eye cases, he said.
Simple preventive measures can make a difference. Dr Anshika Luthra Sharma of Eye Q Eye Hospital recommended wearing wrap-around glasses outdoors, washing eyes with clean water after returning home, avoiding eye rubbing, staying hydrated, and consulting a specialist if discomfort persists.
“While pollution may be unavoidable, protecting our eyes is within our control,” Dr Sharma concluded.