RAWALPINDI: Al-Shifa Trust (AST) on Tuesday urged people to protect their eyes from the adverse effects of smog that has engulfed a large part of the country.

“We have some of the most polluted cities in the world, where millions of people live. Still, the pollution levels have hit record this month, affecting many,” it stated.

Air pollutants present in smog adversely affect health, especially the eyes. Dust and harmful particulate matter enter the eyes, causing unclear vision, redness, burning sensation, dry eyes, and itching, said Senior Consultant at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital Prof Dr Inamul Haq.

In a press release, he said life had become challenging due to rampantly rising air pollution in many cities, and people’s health had taken a significant hit.

He said everyone was exposed to air pollutants every time they stepped out of their homes or offices, and it was virtually impossible to be completely protected.

However, there are certain practices a person can adopt to prevent these symptoms as much as possible, he added.

Prof Dr Inamul Haq said the public should minimise exposure by staying inside, avoiding walking or riding a bike along busy streets, and refraining from going to industrialised areas unless necessary.

Motorists should close their car windows during peak traffic hours and avoid leaving home or the office between noon and 4pm, as the air quality is lowest at this time.

He strongly recommended wearing oversized sunglasses with adequate UV protection for better eye protection. He said people should avoid rubbing their eyes in case pollutants get in the eye. Instead, eyes should be washed thoroughly with cold water or lubricating eye drops for relief.

He said everyone should wash their eyes with cold water when back from outdoors as a preventive measure, and advised buying a home air filter to block out particulate matter.

He said placing cucumbers on the eyes can help reduce inflammation. He also recommended using lubricating eye drops, which specialists recommend as part of a daily eye care routine.

Prof Dr Inamul Haq also said that carrots, green leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts and fish were perfect for the eyes.

Frequent blinking and moistening eyes using lubricating eye drops are good ways to relieve the symptoms. However, he said, visiting an eye specialist is recommended if infections and allergies prolong the symptoms.

He said that urgent and more extraordinary efforts were needed to reduce air pollution, as over 11 million children under five years of age were exposed to smog in the worst-affected districts of Punjab.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024