Air Pollution and Eye Irritation: Exploring the Link and Solution
Air Pollution and Eye Irritation: Exploring the Link and Solution
The eye is a delicate organ with a large part of it exposed to the environment, which makes it quite vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution. That’s why when air pollution levels increase, many people complain about eye irritation and other eye-related problems. It is, therefore, important to understand the connection between air pollution and eye health, and take proactive measures to safeguard your eyes.
Understanding Air Pollution
Air pollution, particularly in urban areas, often contains various airborne particles and chemicals that can irritate the eyes. While particulate matter, such as tiny dust particles, can physically irritate the eyes and lead to symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness; chemical pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds can also trigger eye irritation. Additionally, air pollution can exacerbate allergies, leading to symptoms such as watery eyes.
Eye Problems Related to Air Pollution
Prolonged exposure to air pollution can significantly affect eye health leading to the development of various eye problems, such as:
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye”, is a condition that occurs when the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye, becomes inflamed due to exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, and chemicals in polluted air. Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include, redness, itching, tearing, and swelling of the eyes.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Airborne pollutants can disrupt the tear film that keeps the eyes lubricated, leading to dryness and irritation. Some of the common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, and redness.
This type of eye disease is caused due to a fleshy, wedge-shaped growth of tissue on the conjunctiva, which gets worse upon prolonged exposure to UV rays, wind, dust, and pollution. This type of eye disease is common among outdoor enthusiasts, who spend extended time outdoors, particularly in sunny or windy environments.
Eye Irritation and Redness
Coming in direct contact with airborne pollutants can lead to general eye irritation, causing discomfort in day-to-day life. The affected person can experience redness, burning sensation, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
