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.
"Damage in the cornea happens due to exposure to pollution over a few years, it is not an immediate reaction. The dry eye, if persistent for long, can damage the cornea. And that affects vision in the long run. Rubbing eyes while having irritation may also affect the cornea," Dr Tinku Bali Razdan, Ophthalmologist at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, stated."Other than these, there are high chances of having dry eye where the quantity and quality of the water deteriorates. This also leads to irritation in the eyes, discomfort and redness," Dr Razdan added.Apart from PM 2.5 and PM 10 which are known to be the most harmful air pollutants, there is sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide and other chemical gases which can equally cause irritation in the eyes."It is called chemical conjunctivitis. It irritates the eye because of the inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the outer layer of the eye," Dr Razdan explained.The experts pointed out that more than the elderly, it is children or those aged between 20 and 40 who are at READ
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