Even as the air quality in New Delhi has been deteriorating with toxic smog engulfing the national capital, the AQI levels have risen dangerously high – resulting in several health issues including problems with breathing, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes and eye strain, among others. According to experts, your eyes particularly get affected by pollution causing grave discomfort and permanent sight issues. How does air pollution damage your eyes? Doctors say air pollutants are extremely harmful to your eyes.
If you feel pain and burning, or constant itching or redness after going out, pollution could be one of the factors. The pollutants - composed version of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and 10), Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Oxides, and many such harmful elements, are usually derived from vehicular pollution, industries using fossils, stubble burning, and several other factors.
High levels of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in the air cause severe discomfort and irritation. Most common hydrocarbon chemicals include C4 and C5 olefins which have comparatively stronger effects on the eye. Also, the high presence of aerosol in the air leads to itching and eye injury.
Pollutants are also produced due to automobile exhaust which leads to irritation in the eyes for up to four hours on direct exposure. The levels of these irritants are unaffected by alterations in humidity or temperature but the degree of irritation depends upon the type of fuel used. Signs and symptoms of eye infections t.
