Urban life, air pollution can be unkind to your eyes; know the after-effects of exposure
Allergic conjunctivitis has become a widespread issue in Pune, particularly among schoolchildren. The city's smog, dust, and high air pollution levels are major contributors to this problem, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and discharge.
New Delhi: Increasing screen time, exposure to air pollution, and lifestyle changes are driving a surge in conditions like dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, and childhood myopia. Experts, including Dr. Sachin Kale, a renowned ophthalmologist in Kothrud, Pune, and Dr. Nitin Kolte, Medical Director and Chief Surgical Ophthalmologist at Poona Eye Care, emphasise the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures to address these growing concerns.
Allergic conjunctivitis and pollution-related eye problems
Allergic conjunctivitis has become a widespread issue in Pune, particularly among schoolchildren. The city’s smog, dust, and high air pollution levels are major contributors to this problem, causing symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and discharge.
Dr. Kale explains that air pollutants not only act as irritants but also carry allergens, such as pollen, which can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Rubbing irritated eyes often introduces bacteria, while pollutants weaken the eye’s natural defenses, making the cornea more vulnerable to infections. He advises residents to avoid rubbing their eyes, use protective eyewear while riding two-wheelers, and rinse their eyes with clean water after exposure to dust or pollution.
Digital eye strain is becoming a growing epidemic
"Prolonged screen exposure forces the eyes to constantly focus and refocus, straining eye muscles and reducing the blink rate from 15–20 times per minute to just 5–7 times, leading to dry eyes and irritation,” says Dr. Kolte.
Common symptoms include eye fatigue, headaches, blurred or double vision, and difficulty focusing. Dr. Kolte recommends following the 20-20-20 rule, where individuals take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, in addition to ensuring proper screen ergonomics, hydration, and balanced nutrition to alleviate symptoms.
Alarming growth in myopia cases amongst children
Childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, has also seen an alarming rise in Pune. Urban data shows that the prevalence of myopia among children has increased from approximately 4.44% in 1999 to 21.15% by 2019, with projections suggesting that up to 50% of Indian schoolchildren may be myopic by 2050.
Dr. Kale notes that excessive screen time, lack of outdoor activities, and dietary deficiencies are driving this trend. Alarmingly, cases of childhood myopia are now being diagnosed in children as young as five or six years old, even without hereditary involvement. He emphasizes the importance of regular eye screenings at six months, three years, and five years of age, as well as encouraging outdoor play to slow the progression of myopia. Parents should monitor warning signs such as squinting, sitting too close to screens, or frequent headaches and seek timely intervention.
Impact of air pollution on eye health
Air pollution is another silent contributor to eye health issues in Pune. The city’s air quality index (AQI) typically averages around 140, exposing residents to high levels of pollutants, including PM2.5 and construction dust. These pollutants disrupt the tear film, leading to chronic dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, and increased susceptibility to infections.
"Pollution is a silent contributor to eye problems. It irritates the eyes, triggers allergic reactions, and lowers the eye’s defenses against infections,” says Dr. Kolte. He advises residents to wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors, use air purifiers indoors to reduce allergens, and avoid prolonged exposure to polluted environments.
The role of schools and parents in eye health
Schools and parents play a critical role in identifying and addressing eye health issues early. Teachers are often the first to notice signs such as squinting, difficulty reading the board, or reduced attention spans in students.
Dr. Kale recommends mandatory vision screenings in schools while students are in grades 1, 5, and 10 to ensure early detection. Parents, on the other hand, should pay close attention to their child’s habits at home, such as sitting too close to screens, frequent eye rubbing, or avoiding outdoor play. Early detection through regular eye exams is key to preventing long-term vision problems.
Lifestyle habits affecting eye health
Urban lifestyles also contribute significantly to the growing prevalence of eye health issues in Pune. Excessive screen time, poor ergonomics, reduced outdoor activity, and chronic sleep deprivation are all factors that negatively impact ocular health.
Dr. Kolte explains that prolonged use of laptops and smartphones contributes to digital eye strain and early refractive changes, while limited sunlight exposure accelerates myopia progression in children. Pollution and allergens from construction dust and poor air quality frequently trigger ocular irritation, while neglected eye check-ups delay the detection of refractive errors or ocular surface diseases. He emphasises the importance of adopting simple lifestyle changes, such as increasing outdoor activities, practicing good screen hygiene, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
"Proactive care is essential,” says Dr. Kolte. "Whether it’s addressing digital eye strain among professionals or preventing early-onset myopia in children, small changes can make a big difference in maintaining healthy vision.”