Rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR is leading to severe eye allergies and more. Here is how one may be able to mitigate the issues.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is known to residents all over the country, who celebrate it carrying great enthusiasm and with manifold customs. But the uneconomical use of firecrackers adds considerably to the existing pollution levels in the air. The smoke, the gasses, and the particles suspended in air during Diwali get thronged into the lungs and cause severe impact on health with respect to a person’s eyes especially. Eye problems such as irritation, allergies, irritation, and infections are some of the diseases that could be gotten from pollutants during this festive season.
How air pollution affects the eye?
- Particulate Matter: Particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter can penetrate the ocular membranes of the eye and cause irritation to its most sensitive parts.
- Chemical Exposure: According to Dr Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, firecrackers are often laced with substances that can generate sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are harmful to the eye.
- Eye Irritation: Firecrackers release harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide along with PM2.5 particles, all of which can easily flare the eyes leading to redness, itching, burning sensations, and excessive tearing that may go on for hours after such exposure.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: For allergic patients, pollution during the Diwali celebrations can cause allergic conjunctivitis, which is manifested by swelling, reddening, and watery eyes as a result of the disturbing pollutants and allergens.
- Dry Eyes: Such a common condition as dry eyes and its syndromes, are made worse by the tear production disruptions and enhanced evaporation due to pollution. For those with dry eyes, this is more uncomfortable as it leads to gritty discomfort and blurred vision.
- Eye Infections: Pollution along with smoke and dust particles also acts as vectors of organisms including viruses and bacteria which are harmful. They result in diseases such as conjunctivitis. Pain, discharge and swelling are the most apparent signs, but these were not emphasized and in time worsens when not treated.
Tips to manage eye health
- Minimise Outdoor Exposure: Try to spend less time outdoors when firecrackers are mainly used. Whenever possible, protective eyewear like sunglasses should be worn while outside in order to protect the eyes from smoke and other particulates.
- Use Artificial Tears: Artificial Tears or lubricating eye drops which are available over-the-counter are useful for dry and irritated eyes. These drops help in clearing the eye of pollutants and helps in keeping the eyes moist and hydrated so as to greatly ameliorate the wearing effects of pollution.
- Rinse Eyes Frequently: Eyes should be washed frequently with clean and cool water to remove dust and particulates. Avoid rubbing your eyes as it may rub the allergens present or it may cause a mild abrasion. Splash some water or use a clean eye wash solution.
- Stay Hydrated: Adequate amounts of fluids should be taken so as to foster normal tear production. Dehydration makes the dry eye syndrome more unbearable and thus, being well hydrated makes the eyes comfortable as well.
- Use a Humidifier Indoors: The air indoors has also been found to be poorly ventilated and humidified in Diwali as well. With the help of a humidifier, excess moisture is added into the atmosphere to overcome the effects of dry air and to minimise irritation as the consequence of polluted air.
- Switch to Glasses: Contacts, as the term itself suggests, are close to the eyeball and gunk up the eye quite a bit. During Diwali, the glasses can be used with powdered eye paints and also, are protective against the piercing smoke and the dust in the air.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Certain organic compounds in food can quell inflammation, which is a common problem for everyone. Leafy greens, carrots, nuts, fishes rich in omega-3s, as well as the vitamins A, C, and E or their antioxidants should be consumed regularly.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: If your eyes feel funny for the right, wrong, or sideways reasons – do not rub your eyes And then hurt yourself for being so coy – grab a cold compress or go on a shopping spree for eye drops till your conscience forces you to stop.
Diwali brings joy and light, but also a rise in air pollution that can harm eye health. By understanding the effects of pollutants and following these essential eye care tips, you can protect your eyes from irritation, allergies, and infections during the festive season. Take precautions to ensure your eyes remain healthy while enjoying the celebrations.