Protect Your Eyes From Dust And Disease

5 Tips to Protect Your Eyes

The level of pollutants present in the air we breathe is alarming. Mostly, we consider these pollutants to be harmful to our skin, respiratory system, and cardiovascular systems. Nonetheless, the pollution we live amidst is causing great harm to our eyes too. Yes, the pollutants which are emitted from various industries in the form of dust, fumes, odours, smoke, are hazardous for the health of our eyes. Excessive and regular contact with these pollutants causes problems like dryness, redness, and irritation in the eye. Other than dryness and redness, the most common symptoms of eye problems caused due to Pollution are watery eyes, ropy discharge, itchiness, burning sensation, etc. Further, these minor eye problems can cause massive eye diseases or disorders. Thus, we must always be a little extra protective of our eyes.

1.Use protective glasses or shades

Every day, we come across people who use face masks to prevent pollution from damaging their respiratory system. So, as the face masks act for our lungs similarly, the glasses work for our eyes. Thus, we must always wear protective eyeglasses or sunglasses. Especially when we are commuting through an open vehicle, or have exposure to the harmful pollutants present in the air, it is essential that we keep our eyes covered with the help of sunglasses. Eyeshades protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.

2.Do not rub your eyes

Exposure to the pollutants present in the air causes a sensation of irritation in the eye. However, we must never rub our eyes under the influence of that sensation. Rubbing the eye can further enhance the irritation and cause a burning sensation to the eye. Also, rubbing the eye with bare hands can cause infections due to transfer of germs.

3.Befriend your eye drops

The layer of moisture present against our cornea helps prevent our eye against dryness, itchiness, infectious germs, and harmful pollutants. You must always keep your eye drops handy. Using the eye drops at regular time-intervals helps in keeping the eye moist and healthy. Moreover, lubricating the eye 2-3 times a day helps in relaxing the eye muscles.

4.Use cold compressors and always stay hydrated

The inflammation caused to the eyes due to excessive exposure to pollution can be eased out with the help of cooling compressors. A general cool compressor such as a clean cloth soaked in cold water comes handy when you need to get rid of the itchiness and inflammation of the eye. Another thing is that you can also use some ice-cubes wrapped in a clean cotton cloth. Apply the cubes to your eyes, and it can work wonders to cure the burning sensation caused by pollution. Apart from that, drink a lot of fluids. Intake of water is best for the body and eyes. It not only keeps you hydrated but also flushes out harmful toxins and waste from the body.

5.Regular eye check-up is a must!

Do not overlook even a simple eye problem. Regular eye check-ups are a must to ensure the health of your eyes. Moreover, if the dryness in your eyes prevails for a long time and the remedies do not seem to provide comfort to your eyes, then you must consult an ophthalmologist immediately. This way, you are going to be aware of the status of your eyes. Any disease or the onset of a disease can be diagnosed and treated on time before it gets severe. Levels of toxic air in metropolitan cities and surrounding areas are on the rise. We are exposed to inhale air which is full of harmful pollutants. You must have heard of smog. It is a dense layer of air which is formed when sunlight reacts to the gases (industrial emissions/car fumes) in the lower atmosphere. It is a common phenomenon in traffic-clogged cities and places where industries with high emissions are located. Smog can affect eyes, cause allergies and damage to the overall health of an individual. Smog irritates the nose, lungs, throat and eyes. It has the potential to cause damage to your breathing and respiratory system.