Thu January 11, 2024, 1:46 PM
LEEUWARDEN – Our eyes are our precious windows to the world. Unfortunately, they are exposed to various elements every day, including the air quality around us.
Unhealthy air can affect more than just our lungs; it can also be harmful to the health of our eyes. Let’s dive into the impact of unhealthy air quality and how we can protect our eyes.
Dry and irritated eyes
Unhealthy air often contains dust particles and irritants. These can settle on the surface of our eyes, leaving them feeling dry and irritated. Blinking our eyes serves as a natural defense, but in polluted air this mechanism can be overwhelmed.
How to protect
Use eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated. Consider wearing sunglasses on windy days to reduce dust and dirt.
Allergies and red eyes
Pollutants in the air, such as pollen and mold spores, can cause allergies that lead to red, itchy eyes. These allergic reactions are often exacerbated during periods of poor air quality.
How to protect
Keep windows closed on days with high pollen concentrations. Use air purifiers to reduce allergens in your home.
Increased risk of eye diseases
Long-term exposure to polluted air can increase the risk of eye diseases. Research suggests that exposure to air pollutants is linked to a higher incidence of eye problems, including glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
How to protect
Visit an ophthalmologist regularly for checkups, especially if you live in an area with poor air quality. Wear sunglasses on windy days to protect your eyes. For lens wearers: consider daily lenses for convenience and protection.
Worsening of dry eye syndrome
Unhealthy air can worsen dry eye syndrome, where your eyes produce insufficient tear fluid or are of poor quality. Exposure to air pollutants can increase this uncomfortable feeling.
How to protect
Use humidifiers in your home to maintain humidity. Blink your eyes regularly to distribute the tear fluid evenly. For lens wearers: choose lenses with moisturizing properties.
Understanding how unhealthy air quality affects our eyes is the first step to protection. By taking simple steps and having regular eye exams, we can help our eyes stay healthy, even in environments with less than ideal air quality.
2024-01-11 12:46:00
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