FW Correspondent
New Delhi : Doctors of ophthalmology at various hospital departments in the national capital are observing a sudden rise of eye related ailments like allergy, burning of sensation at eye, itchiness majorly due to high level of pollution.
Dr Ikeda Lal, Cornea and Refractory Surgery Specialist, at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, “With severe air quality and high level of pollution in Delhi NCR, we are observing an increase in number of patients coming to us with complains of redness, Itching, and watering in the eyes. Patients with pre-existing dry eyes are experiencing exacerbation due to high pollution. We are observing almost increase of 40 percent in number of patients coming to us with eye related problems. Pollutants and dust in the air is one of the major reasons for causing eye allergy and eye related problem.”
Dr Rajesh Sinha, Professor of Ophthalmology at RP Centre AIIMS New Delhi said “The rising pollution in Delhi, the capital city of India is a great concern as far as eyes are concerned. We are observing increase in cases of eye related problems in our OPDs. Due to increasing pollution, there is increase in the incidence of dry eye and ocular allergy. This is causing discomfort even in normal eyes and aggravates the eye complaints in eyes that are prone to dryness and allergies. If care is not taken immediately, some of these eyes can have reduced vision due to this problem as well.”
Dr. Ikeda Lal further said,” People with complains of itching in the eyes are likely to suffer from allergic eye disease. Patients with pre-existing dry eyes may experience excessive dryness, irritation and burning due to ocular surface inflammation. Lubricating eye drops and the use of sunglasses are also helpful options. Contact lenses and eye makeup should be avoided until the eyes are healed completely. In case of any eye related problems, consulting an ophthalmologist is recommended and exposure to polluted air should be minimized”.
Doctors advice to follow basic steps as precautions and tips to help deal with allergy caused due to pollution. Do not rub eyes if they itch, Wash eyes with clean water; repeat if it still feels uncomfortable, Cold compresses help in relieving mild itching. See an eye doctor as soon as possible and avoid prolonged exposure of eyes to pollution.
