'AIR POLLUTION RAISES EYE INFECTION RISK'

Eyes, being exposed organs, tend to get directly impacted by pollution, with the most common symptom being allergic in nature.

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“This is known as allergic conjunctivitis, which manifests as redness, irritation and watering. Pollution can also aggravate dry eyes, more common in people staring at screens for long hours and those using contact lenses,” said Dr Umesh Bareja, senior consultant, ophthalmology at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital.

He flagged smoking as a major reason for the inner structures of the eyes getting affected. “Even passive smoking can affect eye health. Smoking has been linked to increased chances of cataract, glaucoma, uveitis and macular degeneration,” the doctor said.

The only solution is public awareness and special policy initiatives to curb vehicular and industrial pollution, burning of trash and coal, deforestation, and regulation of construction activity, Dr Bareja said, adding that tobacco smoking should be avoided at any cost.