Dry Eyes and Smog: Coping with urban eye fatigue after the festival

As the festive lights fade and the celebrations end, the aftereffects of Diwali often linger in the air — quite literally.

- SNIGDHA SOOD

As the festive lights fade and the celebrations end, the after-effects of Diwali often linger in the air quite literally. With smog blanketing cities and pollution levels soaring, the days following Diwali can be particularly harsh on the eyes. Many people experience dryness, itching, redness, or a gritty sensation - classic signs of dry eye syndrome, a condition that worsens in polluted urban environments.

The combination of smoke from fireworks, vehicle emissions, and reduced humidity creates the perfect storm for eye irritation. The pollutants and tiny particulate matter suspended in the post-Diwali air can coat the surface of the eye, disrupting the tear film that keeps it lubricated. When this protective layer breaks down, the eyes struggle to stay moist, leading to discomfort, blurred vision, and fatigue.