Air Quality and Eye Health
Air Pollution
A worldwide tradition on New Years Eve is to put on an elaborate fireworks display. Sydney's fireworks show over the Harbour Bridge is televised worldwide making it extremely well known inside and outside of Australia. Many people have enjoyed the annual fireworks viewed through a television screen, and this year it is safe to assume many more people will.
However, what is often overlooked is the increased air pollution resulting from large amounts of fireworks set-of all at once in a relatively small area. Generally, Sydney has good to moderate air quality (Air Quality Index). Even so, pollutants in the air such as Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and Nitrogen dioxide (Science Reports), some of which come from fireworks, can have significant negative health impacts, not just limited to eye health.
Eye Health
The eyes can be particularly sensitive to the presence of air pollutants. For example, oxidants in the air can dissolve into the fluids on the eye changing the acidity of the tear film. This can cause irritation and various other eye symptoms.
Overall air-pollution related problems include but are not limited to, watering, itching, visual difficulties, and gritty sensations. Less obvious effects include increased risk of infection, cancers, and cataracts. These symptoms can be exacerbated sometimes through the use of contact lenses and/or eye make-up.
Managing discomfort in the eyes due to air pollution is often a matter of not exacerbating symptoms with rubbing or continued exposure to polluted air. Washing the eyes with water can help reduce irritation while sunglasses and lubricating eye drops also helps prevent initial onset of these symptoms.
Mobile Eye Clinic
Mobile Eye Clinic will continue to provide mobile services to the Sydney area, and beyond in 2021. We thank you for your support throughout 2020.
If you'd like to learn more about us, visit our website or call 0402 842 691.
