During the winter, patients will usually visit eye clinics with complaints of irritation, redness, and discomfort caused by weather patterns and pollution. Although many believe that the reason lies within
our bodies being colder, actually, the root cause is due to a combination of fog (or low-lying clouds) with air pollution.
When it’s cold outside, the water in the air condenses to form a dense layer of fog that traps pollutants in the air beneath it. The combination of fog and pollutants forms a layer of smog containing dust, chemicals, and fine particles that can easily make contact with the surface of our eyes.
Dr Ravi Daruka, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, says, “In addition to irritation and redness of the eye, one of the most common complaints during the winter months is dry eyes. Because the amount of moisture found in the tears we produce is directly impacted by both the cold air temperature and the relative humidity level being lower than normal, there is less moisture in our eyes.”
The presence of airborne pollutants may lead to dry eyes from the decreased moisture and exposure to cold air and low relative humidity. “We then experience symptoms of red, itchy, or burning eyes caused by irritation from these pollutants,” shares Dr Ravi Daruka. Most people believe these symptoms will resolve without treatment, but if left untreated, continued dryness can then disrupt the overall tear film integrity, resulting in poor clarity of sight and an increased risk of developing bacterial infections around your eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis can also be triggered by air pollution. When smog contains tiny particles, these particles can cause the immune response to develop. Patients often report that their eyes are watering, they have swollen eyelids, and they have an ongoing desire to rub their eyes. During these times of year, children and senior citizens, as well as individuals who have pre-existing or sensitive eye conditions, are particularly susceptible.
With smog increasing in cities due to vehicle emissions, an increase in eye infections due to this is likely. Dr Ravi Daruka says, “Polluting materials can damage the eye’s natural protective barrier so that bacterial or viral infection can occur easily (conjunctivitis). If one rubs their eyes with dirty hands while outdoors, then they are at a much higher risk of getting an eye infection.”
Also, if you wear contact lenses, there may be additional irritation in your eyes from wearing lenses contaminated by smog, which causes the smog to become trapped between the lens and your cornea.
People with chronic medical conditions (for example, diabetes, asthma, and dry-eye disease) will generally have much worse symptoms related to their diseases whenever levels of pollution are elevated. Their already-sensitive eyes are put under an extra layer of stress on top of the discomfort they are experiencing as a result of the poor air quality outside.
Dr Ravi Daruka says, “It will be impossible to completely improve the air quality in winter; however, by being aware and taking care of your eyes, you can reduce the negative effects of winter air pollution on your eyes. Other ways to take care of your eyes are to keep your eyes moist, wash your eyes, and wear protective eyewear while outdoors. If someone does not take proper care of their eyes during the winter, the winter season could be nothing but a long series of frustrating, irritating experiences.”
Therefore, if people experience symptoms such as persistent or extreme redness, blurriness, or a gritty sensation, they should seek medical attention at Sharp Sight Eye Hospital as soon as possible.
