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• Increased pollution in winter
• How to take care of eyes
• A doctor’s valuable advice

Even though the festive season is over now, the excitement has not died down yet. However, with the arrival of winter a familiar pattern emerges every now and then in our cities. Low temperatures, low winds and temperature reversals. This creates a layer of warm air over a layer of cold air and traps the dust particles created by pollution closer to the ground. This is what we know as ‘smog’. Our eyes are the first to suffer before our lungs show symptoms. Symptoms such as tearing, watering, redness of the eyes appear.

This winter, however, let’s break this vicious cycle with preventive eye care by being well prepared! Last year, the capital region recorded an alarming rise in night-time pollution. There PM2.5 levels were several times higher than safe limits. The nighttime pollution was 603 µg/m³. It was many times higher than safe standards and a health hazard. For reference, India’s 24-hour PM2.5 limit (as per National Ambient Air Quality Standards) is 60 µg/m³. Let’s know how to take care of eyes already in the smoky winter Dr. Arun Singhvi, Chairman-Managing Director, ASG Eye Hospitals From the

Effects on eyes

Why are these numbers important to our vision? Fine dust and air pollutants disrupt the ‘tear film’, the microscopic fluid layer on the surface of the eye, and cause inflammation of the surface of the eye. Studies have shown that increased exposure to PM2.5 causes more frequent and severe symptoms such as dry eyes, burning, redness, watering, and perceptible changes to the surface of the eyes.

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Long term effect of pollution

Effects of prolonged exposure to polluted air on eyes? There is another reason to worry. Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases intraocular pressure and increases the risk of glaucoma, a leading cause of permanent blindness. PM2.5 and pollutants increase the risk to the eyes, especially in susceptible individuals. Therefore, people who already have glaucoma or are older, have diabetes or have a family history of it are at higher risk. They should take special care during this period and consult their ophthalmologist regularly.

How to take care

Preparatory eye care is essential before the smog starts! If you have glaucoma, diabetes, recent eye surgery, or persistent dry eyes, get an eye exam and record your intraocular pressure. Take the medicine on time and do not miss a single dose. Keep indoor air clean and humid. Ventilate when the outside air is good, use the exhaust when cooking, and consider using home air purifiers and humidifiers if possible.

Concerned about the eyes in polluted air?

Avoid going out when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is poor and do not go out at night or early in the morning during ‘very bad’ or ‘severe’ conditions and do strenuous activities. Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops to relieve symptoms. They help stabilize the tear film. Importantly, do not use over-the-counter steroid drops on your own. The resulting infection can be suppressed and of the eyes Pressure may increase.

There is an increase in eye injuries, burns and perforations due to firecrackers during the festive season. It can be prevented. A study in eastern India showed that firecracker- injuries accounted for 20% of all eye injuries. Responsible celebration of any festival and timely medical treatment should be part of the festive tradition. It is necessary to create awareness, take preventive measures and follow the law while using firecrackers. Keep distance, protect children, never bend over firecrackers. Even if you’re just watching, be careful. Eye injuries can also occur to those who watch fireworks from a distance.

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Special concerns in smoky or smog environments?

Contact lens wearers should take special care in smoky or smoggy environments and wear glasses when around fireworks. Protective eyewear may not match a festive outfit, but it can make the difference between memories and lifelong disability. If injured, do not apply ointment to the eye or try to remove stuck particles; Gently cover the eye with a hand and immediately go to the nearest eye care center. If in the eye Do not rub your eyes if you feel foreign particles.

Wash eyes thoroughly with clean water and seek medical advice immediately. Eyes are not forgiving organs; Once they are harmed, some damage is irreversible. But if we are careful, the dangers that arise during this period can be largely avoided. Preparatory eye care is about keeping vision safe. So that we can continue to enjoy the festive season and winter this year and every year to come!