Air Pollution Linked With Eye Infections

What Air Pollution Does to Eyes and Vision: "Air pollution, no doubt, has had numerous health impacts on humans, but when it comes to air pollution in relation to eyes and vision, there seems to be a gap. This phenomenon has not been studied in depth in the way that perhaps pollution in relation to our pulmonary system has, but there is evidence to suggest that pollution is hurting our eyes.

Our eyes are incredibly exposed and sensitive. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of getting dust or sand in your eyes (which everyone is likely to have experienced at least once), then you know the irritation and discomfort involved. Though pollution is a little sneakier than dust and sand, it can have an equal or worse effect on our eyes in the long run.



A study done in Paris in 2003 found a strong link between urban pollution and a spike in ophthalmological emergencies in the area. Though fewer studies have been done in other parts of the world, reports from Beijing, China and the India Times seem to suggest that vision health is being affected by smog and other forms of air pollution.

Dry Eye Syndrome and Pollution
The most frequently reported vision problem that is most probably linked to air pollution is dry eyes. This is especially common in places like Beijing, where air pollution is found in the form of smog (a combination of smoke and fog). Fog may be harmless enough, but smoke can be incredibly harmful to the eyes.

Though an exact cause as to why pollution causes dry eyes has yet to be found, researchers suggest that it may have to do with the lack of humidity in highly polluted areas. Areas with higher humidity are less likely to suffer from pollution-related dry eyes."

Eye Health - Pollution and Eye Disease: "As the dry winter days have arrived, followed by a hot summer, the incidence of eye problems like dryness, burning sensation, watering, redness and allergic conditions increase. This is more evident in urban areas.

In 1970 an incident happened at the playground of a certain senior high school in Tokyo. Some 40 female students suddenly complained of slight difficulty in breathing, dizziness and irritation of their eyes and throats. At the hospital examination, it was ascertained that this incident was caused by photochemical pollution. Los Angeles experienced similar problem in 1950, when the exhaust gas emitted by automobiles reacted with sunlight, causing irritation of the eye and even the cracking of tires. These incidents prove the danger of air pollutants on the human body.

The major air pollutants in any big city are
1. Carbon monoxide: It is emitted from automobiles and air conditioners, heaters. It is the biggest source of air pollution.
2. Nitrogen dioxide: It is emitted from cars and factories. It causes severe allergic reaction and also acid rain of mixing with water vapor.
3. Particulate matter: Coarse and fine particles in atmosphere cause irritation and allergic symptoms in human body.
4. Sulphur dioxide: It has a rotten egg smell and mainly comes from industries. It causes smog reducing visibility and is a very strong irritant for skin, eyes and breathing.
5. Other pollutants: Asbestos, arsenic, benzene, lead, dioxin etc are other sources of air pollution today. Chlorofluorocarbons, halons etc cause reduction in protective ozone layer in atmosphere causing eye and skin chronic irritation and even risk of cancer.
Effects of air pollution on eyes

There is a spectrum of symptoms occurring due to air pollution. It may range from simple irritation and burning to severe allergy, cataract and even cancer.
The most common problems are:
1. Redness
2. Burning sensation
3. Watering
4. Ropy discharge
5. Itching sensation
6. Dry, gritty sensation
7. Difficulty in vision due to watering and itching
8. Allergic reaction: Severe itching, redness, discharge, eyelid swelling, inability to open eyes, vision problem and risk of infection (conjunctivitis, ulcers)."

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