In contrast to other body parts, the eye is a sensitive organ with a large and moist area exposed to the environment, making it more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of air pollution. The eyes’ reaction to airborne pollutants can range from no symptoms to severe irritation and chronic pain, even when contact lenses are worn.
Do you now wake up with watery, red eyes or a burning feeling in your eyes? Visual problems will undoubtedly get worse when pollution and eye strain combine. People are more susceptible to red, watery eyes and other eye allergies as a result of exposure to environmental contaminants such carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and dust particles. Wearing protective eyewear and eating a diet rich in fibre, vitamins, and other vital minerals are critical ways to promote eye health. The negative impacts of pollution can also be mitigated by drinking lots of water.
There is growing evidence that air pollution is a major eye health opponent as well as an irritant. The cornea and conjunctiva are especially susceptible to the small and ultrafine particles that make up urban smog because they are immediately exposed to the environment. Conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and even tear film disruption can result from oxidative stress and inflammation brought on by these particles, particularly PM2.5, which are tiny enough to penetrate the ocular surface.
Air pollution levels are continually growing, especially in India. A large number of pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur, etc., present in the air not only influences the critical organs in our body but also affects our eyes. Redness, burning, itching, watery eyes, blurred vision, and infections of the eyes and eyelids can result from prolonged exposure to hazardous air.
Even if there is no way to prevent exposure to the outdoors, you can safeguard your eyes by staying aware of potential hazards of pollution and adopting the appropriate precautions. We must take great care of our eyes since they are extremely sensitive.
How Air Pollution Causes Eye Irritation?
The extent of eye sensitivity caused by air pollution depends on the concentrations of certain pollutants in the surrounding air. The following are some of the air contaminants that are often present in urban areas:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO)
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
- Arsenic, asbestos
- Benzene
- Lead
- Chlorofluorocarbons
- Particulate matter
- Dioxin
Following are the pollutant factors that badly affect the eye sensitivity:
| Factor | Details / Observations |
| Hydrocarbons & Nitric Oxide | Eye sensitivity depends on the concentrations of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in the surrounding air. |
| C4 and C5 Olefins | Known to cause significant eye irritation. Branched hydrocarbons, especially with double bonds, are more irritating than straight ones. |
| Olefins vs. Paraffin | Olefins cause more irritation than paraffin. |
| Phenolic Compounds | Cyclohexene is the most irritating, more so than benzene or cyclohexane. |
| Source of Pollution | Mainly caused by radiation from car emissions. |
| Duration of Eye Discomfort | Can last up to 4 hours post-exposure. Though the phenomenon has a 12-hour half-life, it is unrelated to aldehydes, aerosols, ozone, or peroxyacetyl nitrate. |
| Humidity & Temperature Impact | Relative humidity (30%-80%) and temperature shifts (25–45 °C) do not affect the level of eye irritants in irradiated car exhaust. |
| Particle Size | Eye discomfort is minimal if car exhaust particle size is below 0.2 microns. |
| Vehicle Influence | Vehicle manufacturing and performance affect emissions, but the type of gasoline has a greater effect on specific hydrocarbon levels. |
| Hydrocarbons vs. Nitric Oxide | Both irritate eyes equally. |
| Chemical Interactions | Precipitation of carbon black or sodium chloride from sulfur dioxide and trioxide at subthreshold concentrations causes irritation. |
| Oxidants & Seasonal Impact | Some studies link oxidant levels with seasonal ocular discomfort. Aerosols and oxidants can acidify the tear film and irritate mucosal membranes. |
What are the Effects of Air Pollution on Eyes?
Following are the most commonly observed symptoms associated with exposure of eyes to air pollution include:
- Burning sensations
- Eye redness
- Irritation
- Watering in eyes
- Abnormal eye discharge
- Severe itching, redness, discharge, swelling of the eyes, and difficulty in opening the eyes due to pollutant allergy
- Increased risk of infections
- Persistent itching
- Gritty sensation
- Visual difficulties, including refractive errors and impaired color vision
- Cancers associated with eye tissues
- Cataracts
Tips to Protect Eyes From Air Pollution
Following are the tips to protect your eyes from the air pollution:
- To reduce your exposure to harmful pollutants, stay indoors when the air quality is low.
- Wearing high-quality protective eyewear will help protect your eyes from dust and pollution when you’re out.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes; instead, wash your hands and eyes often to avoid eye infections.
- Be sure to stay hydrated. Hydration benefits your eyes besides being vital for your whole body functioning.
- Adopt a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Consume a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, which includes salmon, almonds, flax seeds, and vibrant fruits and vegetables.
- You can use lubricant eye drops to lessen the impact of pollution. It will lessen redness and inflammation of the eyes.
- Avoid using screens too much since this might exacerbate the condition.
- Do not wear contact lenses or apply eye makeup if your eyes are irritated.
- You can use an air purifier at home or at work to lessen exposure to airborne pollutants.
Conclusion
Not only can air pollution harm your lungs, but it may also have a serious negative effect on your eyes, leading to pain, irritation, and long-term harm if ignored. Ocular discomfort is caused by a variety of reasons, including the presence of hazardous hydrocarbons and oxidants in vehicle emissions, as well as the impact of airborne particle size and chemical interactions. Fortunately, we can safeguard our eyes and ensure better, healthier vision even in polluted settings by being aware of the reasons and adopting preventative measures, such as wearing protective eyewear, drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet, and seeing an eye expert when necessary.
Know how air pollution affects your eyes, from irritation to long-term damage from expert ophthalmologists at Wavikar Eye Institute. For personalized advice, book your appointment now!
FAQs
Q1: Which pollutants are most harmful to the eyes?
A: Hydrocarbons (especially olefins), nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, and oxidants like ozone are known to cause significant eye irritation. Cyclohexene, in particular, is more irritating than benzene or cyclohexane.
Q2: Can long-term exposure to air pollution lead to permanent eye damage?
A: Yes. Long-term exposure can aggravate chronic conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. It may also contribute to retinal damage and, in rare cases, increase the risk of eye cancer.
Q3: What are some common symptoms of eye irritation due to pollution?
A: Symptoms include watery or dry eyes, a gritty or burning sensation, redness, swelling, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.
