Delhi: Doctors report 50 pct rise in eye problems as smog continues to engulf

The national capitals continued poor air quality and thick smog engulfing the city are not only harmful for the lungs but also eye health said ophthalmologists on Thursday while reporting a 50 per cent surge in eyerelated problemsThe thick blanket of smog and dangerously high levels of pollution have led to a spike in cases of eye allergies dryness burning sensations and excessive watering affecting both adults and childrenDoctors say that the toxic cocktail of smoke particulate matter and chemical residues released during firecracker burning is not only harmful for the lungs but for the eyes as wellIf your cornea gets damaged you need a corneal transplant to restore your vision However if pollution levels continue to rise a time will come when no corneal transplant will be effective because the cornea is getting damaged due to pollution Prof Sudarshan Khokhar Professor of Ophthalmology at AIIMS told IANS adding that the elderly are more vulnerable as the cornea is already weak in themldquoIn the last few days the number of patients suffering from dryness burning and watery eyes has increased by around 50 per cent Many of them come in complaining that their eyes feel gritty or heavy symptoms typical of pollutioninduced ocular allergy Even healthy individuals are experiencing irritation due to the poor air qualityrdquo added Dr Rajesh Sinha Professor of Ophthalmology at the RP Centre AIIMSThe expert explained that tiny particulate matter PM25 and PM10 suspended in the air can settle on the surface of the eyes damaging the tear film and causing inflammationThe eyes being directly exposed to the environment are among the first organs to suffer when pollution levels soar Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide sulfur dioxide and carbon particles react with the moisture in the eyes leading to chemical irritation and inflammationldquoEvery year after Diwali we brace for a rise in eye complaints The number of patients complaining of itching redness and irritation has gone up by almost 5060 per cent We are seeing patients with severe eye allergies and those who already have dry eyes are experiencing much more discomfort than usual The combination of pollution dust and chemical exposure is proving extremely harmful for the ocular surfacerdquo said Dr Harbansh Lal Delhibased senior ophthalmologistHe explained that people who wear contact lenses and eye makeup are particularly vulnerable as tiny particles trapped between the lens and the cornea can worsen inflammationSinha further noted that repeated exposure to high pollution levels can lead to chronic inflammation and progressive damage to the ocular surface affecting both comfort and longterm visionldquoProtecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your lungs during this seasonrdquo he said ldquoEven small steps like wearing glasses and using lubricating drops can make a big differencerdquoThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever