Severe pollution effect: Eye-related problems on rise

New Delhi: Ophthalmologists in the national capital are observing a rise in the number of patients suffering from eye problems like allergy, burning of eyes, and itching owing to pollution.

According to Dr Ikeda Lal, an opthalmologist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, there is an increase in the number of patients coming with complaints of redness, itching, and watering of the eyes. Patients with pre-existing dry eyes are experiencing exacerbation due to high pollution.

“We are observing increase of almost 30 per cent in the number of patients coming to us with eye related problems. Pollutants and dust in the air is one of the major reasons for allergy and eye related problems,” said Dr Lal.

Dr Rajesh Sinha, a professor of ophthalmology at AIIMS, claimed that the rising pollution in Delhi is a great concern as far as eyes are concerned.

“Due to increasing pollution, there is increase in the incidence of dry eye and ocular allergy. This is causing discomfort even for those with normal eyes and aggravating complaints in those who are prone to dryness and allergies,” said Dr Sinha.

Dr Lal warned that people with complaints of itchiness 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.

In case of any eye related problems, consulting an ophthalmologist is recommended and exposure to polluted air should be minimised, he said.