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As the festive lights dim and smog hangs over Delhi, the city’s air quality is taking a toll – not just on the lungs but also on the eyes. The toxic mix of smoke, dust and chemical residues from firecrackers is silently leading to a rise in eye-related problems – from irritation and redness to severe cases of dry eyes.
Read this also Pulmonologist from Noida shares simple tips to protect your eyes and lungs from post-Diwali air pollution in Delhi-NCR
What is making matters worse is the constant exposure to digital screens, as work, study and entertainment all demand uninterrupted screen time. Pollution and screen fatigue are creating a dangerous combination that is taking a serious toll on the eye health of Delhi residents.
Dr Priyanka Singh, consultant and eye surgeon at Netra Eye Center in New Delhi, who has over 15 years of practical experience in ophthalmology, tells HT Lifestyle about the compounded impact of post-Diwali pollution and increased screen time on the eye health of Delhi residents. She explains how these factors are increasing cases of dry eyes in both adults and children, and shares simple but effective tips to protect eye health.
Reason behind increasing cases of dry eye
According to Dr Singh, “Complaints of irritation, itching and redness in the eyes have increased in the Delhi-NCR region after Diwali celebrations. The city’s air quality has deteriorated to ‘poor’, ‘very poor’ and even ‘severe’ categories. The smoke from firecrackers mixed with dust and pollution is causing chronic irritation in the eyes and other body parts as well.”
She highlights that post-Diwali smoke also contains harmful chemical compounds and dust that can cause inflammation in the eyes, increase itching and inhibit tear production. “People complain of discomfort, frequent watering of eyes, blurred vision and itching and dry eyes,” says the eye surgeon.
Additionally, she points out that declining air quality isn’t the only factor contributing to this eye condition — excessive screen time is another culprit. Dr Singh explains, “Excessive screen time due to office and school work and TV coupled with poor air quality can lead to dry eye syndrome. When screens are used for long periods of time, the blinking rate of the eyes reduces, leading to tears in the eyes. This is becoming a common problem among children and adults in cities like Delhi.”
Dry eyes should not be ignored
Dr. Singh emphasizes that even though this condition may seem minor, ignoring it can lead to eye complications later on. She explains, “Dry eyes may seem like a minor thing to ignore, but it can develop into chronic irritation, eye fatigue, or in severe cases lead to corneal damage. People with eye allergies, long-distance drivers, and contact lens wearers are more susceptible.”
Tips to protect your eyes
According to the eye surgeon, “Delhi continues to struggle with poor air quality. However, when it comes to eye protection, small measures can go a long way.” She recommends the following simple but efficient techniques that will help keep your eyes safe during dense pollution:
- Limit your outdoor activities when pollution levels are at their highest, especially during the morning and evening.
- Keep your eyes moist with lubricating eye drops.
- Use protective goggles to protect from wind and sun.
- When you’re using screens, remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- To boost tear production, drink plenty of water and eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- Always wash your eyes with clean water after returning from home.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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