Have you noticed that your eyes become dry or irritated on smoky days? You are not alone. Air pollution, a mixture of gases and particles at harmful levels in the air, can wreak havoc on your eye health. A recent review published by National Library of Medicine researched how air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, can affect your vision.
The study highlights the danger of small pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and even carbon dioxide (CO2), which come from car emissions and industrial processes. These pollutants directly affect the surface of the eyes, affecting the tear film, an important layer that protects your eyes and keeps them lubricated. Such a condition can lead to a number of different symptoms including:
- Dry eyes
- A burning sensation
- Red eyes
The study also points out that children are particularly the most affected.
But air pollution is not just an outdoor problem. Research shows that indoor air pollution caused by smoking, heating, cooking and poor ventilation can also contribute to eye problems. This type of exposure has been linked to more serious conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
So what can you do to protect your eyes from air pollution? The study doesn't offer a solution, but some steps may help:
- Limit outdoor exposure on days with high pollution. Check the air quality reports in your area and stay indoors when pollution levels are high.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays and provide protection from dust and other particles.
- Use artificial tears (eye drops) to keep your eyes lubricated, especially if you experience dryness or irritation.
- Protect good indoor air quality. Keep smoking indoors, provide adequate ventilation, and consider using air purifiers if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can help reduce the impact of air pollution on your precious eyesight. Remember, healthy eyes are essential to a good quality of life, so don't let polluted air prevent you from seeing the world clearly.
