When air pollution levels are high, people are focused on protecting their lungs but smog can affect the eyes as well. Redness, itching, burning, excessive watering and dryness may be symptoms of pollution exposure all day long or in a polluted environment.
The eyes are very delicate from an environmental perspective and are exposed to the surrounding environment. Air pollution can break down the tear film that keeps the eyes moist and comfortable and irritate the tear film, particulate matter, dust and irritating gases. It can cause inflammation and exacerbate existing conditions such as dry eye disease and eye allergies.
And while mild irritation can be mild (appearance of pollution is dropped), pain is not treated at all; the problem remains, and many eye doctors will prescribe the correct methods to avoid the same mistake.
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How does ozone smog affect your eyes?
Air pollution contains some fine particles and gases that can irritate the surface of the eyes. Particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause inflammation and disturb the tear film that protects the eye's surface.
If the protective layer is unstable, the eyes lose moisture more quickly and dryness and discomfort can be more acute. Some people may also be more sensitive to environmental irritants.
Exposure to polluted air has common symptoms that include:
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- Redness and irritation
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Itching and excessive watering
- A gritty feeling, as though something is stuck in the eye.
- Dryness and discomfort while blinking.
- Swelling or irritation around the eyelids
- Temporary blurred vision associated with surface irritation
Dry eyes, seasonal allergies, and/or other eye conditions can lead to more severe symptoms in people who have already dry eyes, seasonal allergies, or other eye conditions may develop more serious symptoms. Older adults, children and people who spend long hours outside may also need to be taken care of, and they will have to take precautions at the same time.
These symptoms are common in heavy pollution and are not exclusive to smog. Infections, allergies and other eye conditions can also be indicative of the same symptoms too and persistent or severe symptoms should be examined by a doctor.
5 Eye Care Tips to Care for during Smog
1. Wear Protective Eyewear Outdoors.
Glasses and close-fitting sunglasses can reduce direct exposure to wind, dust and some airborne particles. They may be especially helpful when traveling on two-wheelers, walking near busy roads or spending extended periods outdoors.
Such glasses can’t completely eliminate air pollution. And when pollution levels are high, reducing outdoor exposure is still important.
2. Don’t Rub Your Eyes.
Itchy and irritated eye surfaces may make you want to rub them immediately. Rubbing only exacerbates inflammation and can scratch the corneal surface if particles are present.
If your eyes feel uncomfortable, don’t touch them with unwashed hands. Rinsing the closed eye area or using clean water to remove external irritants can help with the irritation. Don’t pour high-pressure water into your eyes.
If irritation continues, seek advice from an eye specialist instead of repeatedly rubbing the affected area.
3. Use Lubricating Eye Drops Only When Appropriate.
Lubricating eye drops (e.g., artificial tears) can help with dryness and irritation by supporting the tear film. Preservative-free formulations may be preferred for some people, especially those who need frequent applications.
But not every eye drop is suitable for every symptom. Don’t use leftover prescription drops, antibiotic drops, or steroid-containing eye drops without medical advice. Products that are only for reducing redness may also not be appropriate for repeated use.
If you have no idea which product to use, consult an ophthalmologist or pharmacist.
4. Avoid Polluted Air Exposure.
There are local air quality reports to take into account before going out for outdoor exercise and long trips and exercise indoors and avoid sitting near busy roads or sources of smoke.
At home, keep windows closed when outdoor air quality is poor, where practical. A properly sized air purifier with good particle filtration may help to curb indoor particulate pollution.
But these methods can reduce exposure but they won’t eliminate all pollutants.
5. Maintain Eye Hygiene and Take Screen Breaks.
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily. If you wear contact lenses, follow the recommended cleaning and replacement schedule.
Long periods of screen use can also cause dryness as people tend to blink less when looking at digital devices. Take breaks frequently, blink consciously and comfortably place your screen.
Staying hydrated is good for general health but drinking more water won’t treat pollution-induced eye irritation without any other treatment for pollution-induced eye irritation. If symptoms persist despite these measures, arrange an eye examination.
Common Eye Care Mistakes to Avoid During Smog.
Some of the habits of our daily lives can make eye discomfort worse when air quality is poor.
Rubbing Irritated Eyes.
Rubbing may increase inflammation and damage the eye's surface. Use appropriate lubricating drops or seek medical advice instead.
Using Random or Old Eye Drops.
Not all eye drops are effective for the same problem. Medication without knowing what is causing the symptoms might delay appropriate treatment. Steroid eye drops should only be taken under medical supervision if they are going to cause complications such as pressure inside the eye getting too high.
Continuing to Wear Uncomfortable Contact Lenses.
Contact lenses can be uncomfortable when the eyes are dry or irritated. If you develop redness or discomfort, remove your lenses and switch to glasses. Do not put the lenses back in if symptoms persist without appropriate advice.
A painful red eye in a contact lens wearer needs a timely medical assessment and some infections can be a threat to vision.
Ignoring Persistent Symptoms.
Repeated redness, burning, or watering should not be attributed to pollution. Eye infections, corneal injuries, and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
If discomfort does not ease, worsens, or returns, seek an ophthalmologist rather than repeatedly treating it at home.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Mild irritation may disappear once you step away from polluted air but there are symptoms that need to be treated with professional attention.
If you have persistent redness, itching, excessive watering, dryness and/or discharge that does not improve, arrange an eye examination.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
- Sudden or significant changes in vision
- Severe eye pain
- Marked sensitivity to light
- A very red eye accompanied by pain or blurred vision
- A painful red eye while wearing contact lenses
- An eye injury or suspected chemical exposure
Do not wait for symptoms to disappear on their own if your vision is affected or the pain is severe.
Can Smog Cause Long-Term Eye Problems?
Repeated exposure to air pollution has been associated with several eye-health problems, including dry eye symptoms and inflammation of the ocular surface. Long-term exposure is also being studied to see if there can be any link between such long-term exposure and other eye diseases.
But the risk is very much complex and is dependent on the pollutants involved, the degree of exposure and a person’s health conditions. Not every episode of eye irritation will continue to cause permanent damage.
Reducing exposure, using appropriate protection, and seeking timely medical care could help to manage discomfort and prevent potentially serious problems from being overlooked. The Bottom Line. Smog can be far more than your respiratory system: smoke can be more than respiratory system. The air quality of polluted air can irritate people’s eyes and tear film, and the dryness, redness and allergies.
Using protective eyewear on eyeglasses, reducing exposure when the air is bad enough for them, keeping your eyes clean and not taking unprescribed eye drops are good precautions. At the same time, avoid any pain and light sensitivity or changes to vision, don't ignore the pain, light sensitivity, and changes of sight and be careful of light sensitivity.
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