Smog / Air Pollution and Eye Health

Affecting both urban and rural areas, smog is a form of air pollution characterized by the presence of many different kinds of gases, droplets and fine particles that impose health hazard to the body including the eyes. With short-term exposure to the pollutants, the eyes may experience nothing or temporary irritation. When exposure becomes long-term or pollutant level is high, eye symptoms (burning, tearing, itching, red eye) are more prominent and tend to be more intense and exaggerated in eyes with underlying allergic conjunctivitis, dry eyes or other ocular surface disorders.

Preventive measures include following the Air Quality Index (AQI, more than 100 indicates unhealthy air conditions ) and PM2.5 scores. Staying indoor during heavy smog is a good idea.

Remember that hot sunny daytime will raise the level of another pollutant, the ground ozone. Wear sunglasses and protective goggles during exercises like biking, jogging that run the eyes against the air. When symptomatic do not rub the eyes. Simply rinse the eyes with normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) which can also be applied to contact lens wearers. Treat underlying allergic conjunctivitis et al… Consult your eye doctor when symptoms not improving or persist.