Delhi Air Pollution: The high levels of pollution in the National Capital has made the day-to-day lives of the residents extremely difficult. Delhi continues to experience ‘very poor’ air with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 345 at 7 am on Sunday, even amid anti-pollution measures under the Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The fine pollutants pose significant health risks as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Persistent exposure to polluted air can also negative effects of eye health.
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone “are hypothesized to damage the ocular tissue, reducing the release of DA and causing systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, retinal ischemia, and resultant myopia.”
“The indirect effects of pollution on eye health, particularly in children, are equally alarming. Poor air quality forces children to spend more time indoors, limiting their exposure to natural light and outdoor activities, both of which are essential for healthy eye development. Instead, their screen time increases, putting additional strain on their eyes and accelerating the onset of myopia,” Dr. Kunal Kaushik, MS Ophthalmology Vitreo Retina Surgeon, Dayal Eye Centre, Delhi told Financial Express.com.
Dryness, irritation, and frequent eye rubbing, caused by pollution, only add to the problem. Together, these factors create a cycle of damage that could lead to long-term vision issues, Dr. Kaushik revealed.
“To break this cycle, we need to address pollution while encouraging healthier habits, such as reducing screen time and ensuring safe outdoor play when air quality permits,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rohit Saxena, professor of ophthalmology, R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi told Financial Express.com that pollution poses a serious threat to our eyes, particularly to the conjunctiva and the cornea, which is the first point of contact with harmful particles in the air.
“The fine particulate matter, allergens, and toxins in polluted environments can irritate the ocular surface and make it highly susceptible to infections. This is especially of concern in children and adults already experiencing dry eyes or allergic reactions, as these conditions worsen with exposure to poor air quality,” Dr. Saxena said.
Also frequent eye rubbing of the irritated eyes can weaken the cornea over time and lead to conditions like keratoconus, he said.
“This condition causes the cornea to weaken and bulge and initially presents with progressive myopia. Pollution isn’t just a respiratory issue—it has harmful effects on the entire body including on the ocular health,” he added.