NEW DELHI: It's not just the heart and lungs that air pollution knocks out of shape. Doctors in the city are reporting an increase in eye-related complaints arising from pollution. A recent survey conducted at AIIMS has revealed that 10-15% of people suffer from chronic irritation and dry eyes-conditions that are directly related to constant exposure to a high level of pollutants.



Dr J S Titiyal, professor and head of cornea, cataract and refractory surgery service at the institute, said the incidence of these problems and their related complications will increase if urgent action is not taken to improve air quality.



"Such patients require medications such as artificial tears, anti-allergic medicines and, in some cases, steroids. But these can cause severe side-effects, including loss of vision, on long-term use," he said.



AIIMS recently conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 5,000 people who visited the hospital during the year 2013-2014 to assess the prevalence of eye problems.



It found that 10-15% of the respondents complained of symptoms such as watery eyes, redness and itchiness, etc. Doctors said 65% of the respondents who complained of eye problems were men in the age group of 20-40 years.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Forget-visibility-air-pollution-is-taking-a-toll-on-your-vision/articleshow/50098418.cms