Polluted Air Making Your Eyes Burn? Here’s What Can Help

Polluted Air Making Your Eyes Burn? Here’s What Can Help

Drinking lots of water and keeping yourself hydrated can help prevent dry eyes and irritation caused by pollution

The toxic Delhi air has given itchy eyes to many in the National Capital Region. There is this burning sensation which the doctors say frequent washing of hands and avoiding rubbing of eyes might help.

What might be causing that burn? According to health experts, this is mainly due to the hazardous pollutants including nitric oxide, sulphur and nitrogen dioxide in the air, an outcome of construction work and carbon emission.

Living within the confines of a proverbial gas chamber, people have complained of watery eyes, burning sensation, discomfort, sore eyes, redness, swelling and an itching sensation, besides respiratory problems.

Also Read: From Pink to Black: What Happens to Our Lungs in Air Pollution?  

Delhi turned into an apocalyptic city the very day after Diwali, as lack of breeze trapped the pollutants from firecrackers and stubble burning in neighbouring states added to the woes.

According to Safar India, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi has hit 381, much below the 600 plus levels in the last few days, when sun completely was shunted out by the heavy smog cover.

"While air pollution has taken a toll on the overall health of individuals, many people are experiencing burning sensation in the eyes too,” said Ranjana Mithal, Senior Consultant Ophthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Ranjana Mithal, Senior Consultant Ophthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi“Pollutants such as nitric oxide, sulphur and nitrogen dioxide present in the air are leading to irritation in the eyes.” 

Mithal added that once, the pollution settles down, we will get relief from the burning sensation.

"Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is essential for aiding inadequate tear formation. It becomes all the more essential when external factors like smog increase your proneness to dry eyes. Eight to ten glasses of water should suffice," Mithal suggested.

Refrain from stepping out during peak smog hours. It's best to stay indoors during this time. Consume food rich in Vitamin A as it plays an important role, the doctor said.

Also Read: How Effective Are Air Purifiers For Indoor Pollution?

Satya Karna, Associate Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Jaypee Hospital in Noida told IANS: "It is advisable not to go out without protection for the eyes such as sunglasses, keep washing eyes with clean, cool water and avoid wearing contact lenses. Put eye drops as per a doctor's prescription, not drops bought over the counter, or given by chemists or ayurvedic."

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday, 5 November and the Supreme Court on Monday, 4 November pulled up the Delhi government and the Centre over the alarming situation of pollution and deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital.

Sonia Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram said that air pollution adversely affects the eyes.

"Eating Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish besides green leafy vegetables, carrots, spinach, almonds, walnuts, berries are extremely good for the eyes.

Sonia Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram“Do not overexert your eyes by indulging in excessive screen time and use eye drops  (after getting a recommendation from your ophthalmologist) twice a day to flush out the irritants”

"If there is continuous discomfort go to your doctor immediately," Bhalla concluded.

(This story was auto-published from a syndicated feed. No part of the story has been edited by FIT.)

(Delhi is in a public health emergency and schools have been shut. The air outside is visibly toxic - how has the hazardous air #pollution impacted you? Write down your #PollutionKaSolution and send it to us at [e-mail]. )

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