Delhi air crisis: Doctors report 60 pc surge in eye ailments

The toxic air in Delhi and deteriorating air quality have led to a sharp rise in eye-related ailments among Delhites. Doctors in the national capital noted an increase in eye-related ailments like allergies, dryness, burning sensations, and excessive watering among both adults and children.

With the air quality plunging to 'severe' levels after Diwali, ophthalmologists note a 60 per cent increase in such cases. Doctors warn the high level of pollution in Delhi is not only harmful for the lungs, but for the eyes as well.

Dr Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Specialist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, "Every year after Diwali, we brace for a rise in eye complaints. The number of patients complaining of itching, redness, and irritation has gone up by almost 50-60 per cent."

"We are seeing patients with severe eye allergies, and those who already have dry eyes are experiencing much more discomfort than usual. The combination of pollution, dust, and chemical exposure is proving extremely harmful for the ocular surface," Lal told PTI.

Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such toxic air can lead to chronic eye conditions, particularly among people who spend long hours outdoors, such as traffic police, delivery agents, and school children.

Dr Rajesh Sinha, Professor of Ophthalmology at the RP Centre in AIIMS, said in the last few days, the number of patients suffering from dryness, burning, and watery eyes has increased by around 50 per cent.

"Many of them come in complaining that their eyes feel gritty or heavy, which are symptoms typical of pollution-induced ocular allergy. Even healthy individuals are experiencing irritation due to the poor air quality," he said.

The eyes, being directly exposed to the environment, are among the first organs to suffer when pollution levels soar. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon particles react with the moisture in the eyes, leading to chemical irritation and inflammation.

Doctors advised people should avoid contact lenses and heavy eye makeup during such high-pollution days. The public should use lubricating eye drops, wear protective glasses, and wash their eyes frequently with clean water to reduce the impact of pollution, they advised.

According to doctors, children's eyes are more sensitive, and since they tend to spend more time outdoors, the risk of allergic conjunctivitis and infections increases. The elderly, on the other hand, often experience reduced tear production, which makes their eyes drier and more susceptible to irritation. Older adults should stay indoors during peak pollution hours to ensure their eyes remain well-lubricated, they said.

The doctors warned that ignoring eye irritation or delaying treatment can lead to long-term damage to the cornea and tear glands.