Human eyes need special protection from pollutants, chemicals, and allergies in the air. Air pollutants can increase eye irritations, so stay away from polluted areas. Wear protective sunglasses or goggles before leaving your house during smog. Pollutants can increase the chances of dry eye syndrome. In this syndrome, your eyes have insufficient tears for lubrication. Dry eyes need immediate attention of a reliable doctor. Eye care professionals can help you by adding or conserving tears. They will prescribe particular medications to increase tear production. If you want to protect your eyes from air pollution, you must have an air filtration system and a humidifier in your house and office. Your diet should have sufficient water, antioxidants and omega 3.
Protection from Conjunctivitis
Chemical conjunctivitis is common in polluted air. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent layer of tissues in the inner surface of eyes. This layer covers the white section of human eyes. You have to flush your eyes with saline water to treat conjunctivitis. Consult your doctor before using any topical steroids.
Protective Shades or Glasses
Before leaving your house, wear a face mask and protective sunglasses or eyeglasses. With a face mask, you can protect your respiratory system. Glasses are necessary for the eyes to avoid redness and irritation. Make sure to wear protective shades before commuting via an open vehicle. Cover your eyes before coming in the contact of harmful air pollutants. Buy quality sunglasses for UV protection outdoors. You will need a cap or hat with a broad brim to avoid direct sunlight.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Air pollutants can irritate your eyes. To avoid this sensation, you can’t rub your eyes. Rubbing may increase your irritation and increase the burning sensation to eyes. Moreover, rubbing eyes may increase the chances of infections because of germs. Our hands are the most viable source of germs making their way to our face. It is better to wash hands even if there is an intense need to rub the eyes.
Use Eye Drops
Moisture is necessary for the cornea to prevent dryness, infectious germs, harmful pollutants, and itchiness. Always carry your drops in your pocket or purse. Use them regularly to keep your eyes healthy and moist. Moreover, lubricating your eyes 2 to 3 times daily to relax your eye muscles. However, it is better to consult a professional doctor before choosing any particular eye brand. Choosing an incorrect brand might only result in one getting eye infections and frequent discharge.
Cold Compressions
Consistent exposure to air pollution can increase the chances of inflammation. To treat inflammation, you will need cold compressors. Feel free to use a wet cloth in cold water to decrease redness and itchiness of the eyes. Moreover, wrap ice-cubes in a cotton cloth and apply them to your eyes. It is a wonderful way to treat the burning sensation. Just make sure that the cloth that you’re using should run seamless on the skin and must not cause any irritation due to friction.
Avoid Eye Strain
Eye strain can be dangerous for your eyes. Overworked eyes may suffer from long-term and short-term vision problems. To avoid this situation, you have to take frequent breaks while working on a computer. Make sure to take a break of 15 minutes every 2.5 hours. Rest your eyes by looking around. You can’t overlook even a simple problem with your eyes. Regular check-ups are essential to ensure optimum health of the eyes. If you are suffering from dry eyes syndrome, you have to consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Final Thoughts
Eyes are the most delicate organs of the body. It is very imperative that good care must be taken in order to protect these organs. The world is a beautiful place to see and explore. What if you won’t be able to see this world anymore? Pathetic! Wouldn’t it be like that? It surely will be a devastating situation to loose even part of our eyesight. Owing to the processed world that we live in, the probability is very high that our eyes will be exposed to pollution when we go outside. Therefore, good care of the eyes will not only protect them from different diseases but will promise a long lasting sharp eyesight for the rest of our lives.