Is Air pollution degrading your Eye Health?

Degrading air quality is augmenting diverse health ailments. These pollutants are slow killers & affect our overall well-being.

How adversely does Pollution affect Eye Health?**

Frequently observed symptoms are:

● Dry Eyes

● Redness

● Irritation

● Burning

● Watering

● Mucoid Discharge

These can lead to: **

● Allergic reaction 

● Increased risk of infections

● Visual difficulties, including refractive errors 

● Impaired colour vision

● Cataracts

● Cancers 

Dry eye syndrome (DES)## is the most frequent complaint among these symptoms, with the incidence seen more in women >50 yrs using contact lenses. 

The surface of the eye is inflamed & dry in DES along with the above symptoms.

How do I manage and protect myself?^^

The treatment of the eye symptoms of air pollutant exposure without an infection or allergy is to cool the eyes by washing them gently with clean water, followed by applying a cool compress. 

Alternatively, one may use:

● Lubricating eye drops 

● Sunglasses when stepping out

● Contact lenses are to be avoided until the eyes are healed completely

● Seek doctors' consultation promptly when needed

References:

** https://bit.ly/3zwXkCh

^^ https://bit.ly/2rT8lu9

## https://bit.ly/3O8fJcL