Protect your eyes

vision care

What are the things that you think of when you think air pollution? Your lungs, your face, your health. You think – “I need a mask.” Your friends suggest you get an air purifier.

We all have seen how Delhi is suffocated with pollution, especially after the festive season. While the immediate concern is to breathe clean air, many of us have taken to wearing masks. However, most of us tend to forget about the other delicate parts of our body that can also be severely affected by the polluted air.

For instance, our eyes. Yes, pollution, does affect our eyes and to a great extent. Mounting vehicular pollution levels, coupled with the smoke emitted by firecrackers days before and after Diwali, are a nightmare not just for our lungs but also our eyes.

The incidence of eye problems like dryness, burning sensation, watering, redness and allergic reactions is on the rise in urban areas, owing to already high levels of pollution in the air.

People who frequently venture outdoors, especially young schoolchildren, are susceptible to eye irritation and infection. So it has become more important than ever to take good care of your eyes and those of your loved ones. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while dealing with eye irritation:

What to do

Do not rub the eyes so as to prevent aggravation of any kind of allergy as also to reduce chances of contracting other infections.
Using a cold compress on closed eyes always helps. Use clean piece of cloth soaked in sterile water.

Avoid splashing water direct into open eyes. Contrary to what the common notion is, if your eye faces an irritation, a cold compress works better.

Frequently use lubricating eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor.
If your eyes are feeling sore, avoid wearing contact lenses. Temporarily stick to wearing spectacles until they are back to feeling normal.

Steer clear of eye make-up as well, as the foreign substance might aggravate the irritation.

Taking your eye health or that of your child for granted during such times is a grave mistake for which you’ll have to pay a heavy price. If the irritation persists, it is best to visit an ophthalmologist instead of sitting around and waiting for the eye to get back to normal on its own. You never know, a simple irritation might turn into an infection at any point.

(The author is the country head, Orbis International, Gurugram)