Does smog affect our eyesight?

The heating season is coming, together with further alarming facts about smog. In many Polish cities the concentration of dust particles has often exceeded admissible norms. We are concerned about the damaging effect of smog on our lungs, but what about our eyes? Does smog affect our eyesight?

What exactly is smog?

Smog is a high concentration of harmful dust in the air. It contains organic compounds, sulphur, heavy metals and allergens. One of the factors conducive to smog creation is so-called stagnant air, i.e. windless weather, in which smog hangs in the air like fog, posing a threat to our health – including our eyes.

Why is smog harmful to the eyes?

Polluted air causes dryness and irritation in the eyes. Smog may consist of two types of dust – PM 10 and PM 2,5. The first one, consisting of bigger particles, may lead to inadequate hydration of the eyes. Its adverse effect initially manifests with dryness, fatigue and a burning sensation in the eyes. Other noticeable results of smog exposure include ocular redness and lacrimation. A much more serious condition, commonly known as dry eye syndrome, may develop as a consequence. Moreover, those who are hypersensitive to chemical compounds included in smog are prone to conjunctivitis.

How can we protect our eyes from smog?

When a high concentration of smog remains in the air for a long time, it is crucial to remember to provide the right protection for our eyes! It would be the easiest to stay at home then, but most of us cannot afford such a solution. Therefore it is important to pay special attention to wearing corrective glasses instead of contact lenses and choosing light tint protective glasses or sunglasses. Another important thing is appropriate body hydration – we should always have a bottle of water at hand. Drinking water ensures proper tear production, which in turn results in the right eye hydration and that’s what it is all about! To fight the negative effects of smog we should also maintain an adequate humidity level in the room and make sure we use lubricant eye drops which not only moisturize the eyes but also help to rinse any dirt off the eye surface. Additionally, it is advisable to purchase an air purifier, which will cleanse the air in the house, getting rid of harmful contaminants that come from outside through open or non-airtight windows.

If an increasing number of people decide to wear an anti-smog mask these days, it is all the more important to take proper care of our eyes. Do not forget that they are directly exposed to air pollutants. It is more recommendable to prevent them from the negative effect of harmful dust than treat them once they are already affected, bearing in mind that prevention is better than cure.

In case of symptoms listed earlier in this article or any other eye conditions as well as visual acuity deterioration make an appointment for a specialist ophthalmologic examination in our Centre. If you have any questions to a doctor, submit them using a questionnaire in the ASK A DOCTOR tab. Your questions will be answered by the doctors from the ArtLife Ophthalmologic Centre.

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