The effect of unhealthy air quality on the eyes

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 1:46 p.m

Leeuwarden Our eyes are our precious window to the world. Unfortunately, they are exposed to different elements every day, including the air quality around us.

Unhealthy air can affect more than just our lungs; It can also be harmful to our eye health. Let's dive into the impact of unhealthy air quality and how we can protect our eyes.

Dry and irritated eyes

Unhealthy air often contains dust particles and irritants. These can settle on the surface of our eyes, making them feel dry and irritated. Blinking our eyes is a natural defense, but in polluted air this mechanism can be overwhelmed.

How to protect

Use eye drops to keep your eyes moist. Consider wearing sunglasses on windy days to reduce dust and dirt.

Allergies and eye redness

Pollutants in the air, such as pollen and mold spores, can cause allergies that cause red and itchy eyes. These allergic reactions often worsen during periods of poor air quality.

How to protect

Keep windows closed on days with high pollen concentrations. Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in your home.

Increased risk of eye diseases

Long-term exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of eye diseases. Research suggests that exposure to air pollutants is associated with a higher incidence of eye problems, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

How to protect

Visit your eye doctor regularly for checkups, especially if you live in an area with poor air quality. On windy days, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. For lens wearers: keep in mind Daily lenses For comfort and protection.

Exacerbation of dry eye syndrome

Unhealthy air can worsen dry eye syndrome, in which your eyes produce an insufficient amount or poor quality tear fluid. Exposure to air pollutants can increase this uncomfortable feeling.

How to protect

Use humidifiers in your home to maintain humidity. Blink your eyes regularly to distribute the tear fluid evenly. For lens wearers: Choose lenses with moisturizing properties.
Understanding how unhealthy air quality affects our eyes is the first step toward protection. By taking simple steps and getting regular eye exams, we can help our eyes stay healthy, even in environments with less than ideal air quality.