Not just respiratory system, air pollution may also severely affect eyes-Doctors If you think it is just the lungs or the respiratory system which get affected by polluted air containing high levels of toxic gases and suspended particles think again.
If you think it is just the lungs or the respiratory system which get affected by polluted air containing high levels of toxic gases and suspended particles -- think again. Medical experts say poor air quality can cause several problems for the eyes as well, including corneal damage."Unlike the nose or mouth, it is very difficult to cover the eyes. This makes eyes vulnerable to the effects of air pollution -- just like the lungs," Dr Rajesh Sinha, Ophthalmologist, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, told IANS.He added that the ocular surface of the eye is directly in contact with the environment and, therefore, is most exposed to air pollutants.As for problems arising out of air pollution, the indicators can range from minimal or no symptoms to chronic discomfort and irritation such as itching, stinging, the sensation of a foreign body, irritating conjunctivitis, worsening of allergic symptoms or even keratitis, which is an inflammation of the cornea.