Poor air quality surging dry eyes, allergies in children & adults: Experts

New Delhi: As Delhi battles toxic air pollution, experts have raised concerns over its impact on eye health, noting a surge in cases of dry eyes, irritations, and allergies among children and adults.

On Wednesday morning, Delhi's air quality remained in the "severe" category, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 427 at 10 a.m., making it the most polluted city in India, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Around 12 of the 38 air quality monitoring stations in the city reported an AQI of 450 or above. In response, Environment Minister Gopal Rai directed the Delhi government to allow half of its staff to work from home.

“Pollution poses a serious threat to our eyes, particularly the conjunctiva and the cornea, which are the first points of contact with harmful air particles,” Dr. Rohit Saxena, professor of ophthalmology at R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi, told IANS. He explained that fine particulate matter, allergens, and toxins in polluted environments can irritate the ocular surface, increasing susceptibility to infections. “This is especially concerning for children and adults already suffering from dry eyes or allergies, as their conditions worsen with poor air quality,” Saxena added.

According to IANS, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus revealed that individuals exposed to higher levels of PM10 are twice as likely to suffer from eye infections. The study also found that clinical visits for ocular surface conditions, including issues affecting the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids, more than doubled when particulate matter levels in the air increased.

“Air pollution significantly impacts eye health, causing discomfort, itching, watering, redness, and a general feeling of soreness,” Dr. Smriti Goel, Consultant in Eye Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, told IANS. In severe cases, exposure to pollutants can lead to pain, blurred vision, or even conditions like keratoconus, a corneal disorder that may result in vision loss over time. Frequent eye rubbing due to irritation further exacerbates such risks, weakening the cornea.

Goel advised against over-the-counter medications other than lubricating eye drops unless prescribed by a doctor. She recommended using lubricating drops to maintain moisture, applying cold compresses for relief, and wearing protective glasses to shield eyes from dust and pollutants. “For allergy-prone individuals, anti-allergic eye drops and timely treatment are essential,” she said.

Experts emphasized that pollution is not just a respiratory issue but also a serious threat to overall health, including ocular well-being. To minimize risks, they suggested limiting outdoor exposure during periods of high pollution.

With inputs from IANS, experts stressed the importance of preventive measures and timely care to protect eye health amid worsening air quality.