How Air Pollution Affects the Eye

Air pollution has been globally known to damage our health targeting our organs like the lungs, heart, and also the eye. The eye is defenseless to the impacts of air pollution. Signs of the effects of air pollution on the human eye can run from negligible or no side effects to chronic distress and eye disturbance. The seriousness of distress delivered by air pollution is decided by the levels of hydrocarbons and nitric oxide in encompassing air. The hydrocarbon chemicals that are especially well-known for causing such irritation to incorporate C4 and C5 olefins.

Hydrocarbons with branched chains have more grounded impacts on the eyes as compared to straight chains, particularly in case the chain contains a few double bonds away from the terminal carbon. The irritation brought about by olefins is outstandingly higher as compared to paraffin. On the off chance that exposure on a normal premise, air pollution can cause dry eye syndrome, watering and burning sensations obscured vision, and indeed glaucoma. A study conducted by China Therapeutic College in Taiwan has dove into the relationship between Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), two predominant air pollutants, and long-term disintegration of the retinas.

Out of 40,000 subjects over 50 years old, those living in zones with a high concentration of CO and NO2 had a more prominent sum of age-related macular degeneration. Another later study from India concluded that of 210 youthful individuals in Modern Delhi that were surveyed, 24% had anomalous results on their Schirmer test – which decides whether the eyes make sufficient tears to stay moist. Another scientific study found that American veterans more seasoned than 50 years old living in cities have a higher probability of developing dry eye syndrome.

To take good care of our eyes, we should also take good care of our environment. If we practice the basic measures to keep our eyes well and healthy but when we go out we still expose our eyes to harmful substances that are brought about by air pollution. If we really want to keep our eyes safe and well, we must also keep our air safe and clean.