Burning Eyes: Tips to Get Rid of it

Toxic pollution in Delhi has given itchy eyes and a burning sensation in the eyes to many in the National Capital. Here are a few tips experts advise to protect the eyes.

Toxic pollution in Delhi has given itchy eyes and a burning sensation in the eyes to many in the National Capital. Here are few tips experts advise to protect the eyes.

What might be causing that burn? According to health experts, this is mainly due to the hazardous pollutants, including nitric oxide, sulfur, and nitrogen dioxide in the air, an outcome of construction work and carbon emission.

Air Pollution - Pollutants - Health Effect - Efforts to Reduce
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.

‘Stinging or irritation of the eyes is the common cause of burning eyes. Doctors say frequent washing of hands and avoiding rubbing of eyes might help protect your eyes.’

Living within the confines of a proverbial gas chamber, people have complained of watery eyes, burning sensation, discomfort, sore eyes, redness, swelling, and an itching sensation, besides respiratory problems.

Delhi turned into an apocalyptic city the very day after Diwali, as lack of breeze trapped the pollutants from firecrackers and stubble burning in neighboring states added to the woes.

According to Safar India, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi had hit 381, much below the 600 plus levels in the last few days, when the sun completely was shunted out by the heavy smog cover.

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"While air pollution has taken a toll on the overall health of individuals, many people are experiencing a burning sensation in the eyes too. This is being mainly caused by the presence of pollutants in the air consisting of nitric oxide, sulfur, and nitrogen dioxide present in the air leading to irritation in the eyes," said Ranjana Mithal, Senior Consultant Ophthalmology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi.

Mithal added that once the pollution settles down, we will get relief from the burning sensation.

Symptom Evaluation of Watery Eyes
Do your eyes water? Are you experiencing excessive tear production? Prevent persistent tearing as these signs may not be just due to conjunctivitis.

"Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is essential for aiding inadequate tear formation. It becomes all the more essential when external factors like smog increase your proneness to dry eyes. Eight to ten glasses of water should suffice," Mithal suggested.

Refrain from stepping out during peak smog hours. It's best to stay indoors during this time. Consume food rich in Vitamin A as it plays an important role, the doctor said.

Routine Eye Examination
A comprehensive eye exam can take an hour or more, depending on the doctor and the number and complexity of tests required to fully evaluate vision and the health of the patient’s eyes.

Satya Karna, Associate Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Jaypee Hospital in Noida, told IANS: "It is advisable not to go out without protection for the eyes such as sunglasses, keep washing eyes with clean, cool water and avoid wearing contact lenses. Put eye drops as per a doctor's prescription, not drops bought over the counter, or given by chemists or ayurvedic."

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday and the Supreme Court on Monday pulled up the Delhi government and the Centre over the alarming situation of pollution and deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in the national capital.

Sonia Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, said that air pollution adversely affects the eyes.

"Eating Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish besides green leafy vegetables, carrots, spinach, almonds, walnuts, berries are extremely good for the eyes.

"Do not overexert your eyes by indulging in excessive screen time," Bhalla said.

"Twice a day (after getting a recommendation from your ophthalmologist), use eye drops to flush out the irritants. If there is continuous discomfort, go to your doctor immediately," Bhalla concluded.

Source-IANS