When going out often, how should you protect your eyes from fine dust?

Master - Doctor Le Ngo Minh Nhu (Ngu Quan Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3) said that fine dust or PM (Particulate Matter) fine dust are inorganic or organic molecules floating in the air, often originating mainly from vehicle exhaust or through the burning of organic fuels in industry. The size is diverse, usually calculated in units of µm (micrometer).

"Fine dust is microscopic dust particles in the air that can enter the eyes every time we are exposed to a polluted environment. When exposed daily, fine dust can adhere to the surface of the eyeball, even penetrate deep into the eye tissues, causing many serious vision health problems," Dr. Minh Nhu shared.

The harmful effects of fine dust on the eyes

According to Dr. Minh Nhu, frequent exposure to fine dust can cause many eye diseases, including:

- Eye irritation and redness: Fine dust causes dry eyes, irritates the eye mucosa, leading to red eyes and continuous tearing.

- Conjunctivitis: Fine dust can carry bacteria and allergens, increasing the risk of conjunctivitis, causing swelling, itching, and discomfort.

- Chronic dry eyes: Long-term exposure to fine dust can reduce the ability to secrete tears, making the eyes dry and vulnerable.

- Corneal damage: Some fine dust particles can scratch the cornea, causing impaired vision if not treated promptly.

- Increased risk of blepharitis and keratitis: Fine dust can clog the sebum glands in the eyelids, causing inflammation and discomfort.

How to protect eyes from fine dust in the air

Doctor Nhu shares some ways to help protect eyes from fine dust for those who often have to travel on the street or outdoors such as:

- Wear goggles or sunglasses: Helps protect eyes from fine dust and reduces the effects of sunlight.

- Use saline or artificial tears to clean your eyes regularly to help remove dirt and keep your eyes moist.

- Limit rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes when there is dust can damage the cornea and increase the risk of infection.

- Use wide-brimmed hats and anti-dust masks: Helps reduce direct exposure to polluted air.

- Adjust your diet: Add foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 to improve eye health.

Need to cover carefully when going out often

PHOTO: LE CAM

How to take care of your eyes every day to keep your eyes healthy

According to Dr. Nhu, there are some ways to take care of your eyes every day to keep your eyes healthy and minimize damage caused by fine dust such as:

- Proper eye hygiene: After going out, wash your face and eyes with clean water or specialized eye drops to remove fine dust and bacteria that may accumulate on the eye surface.

- Moisturize your eyes: Use eye drops or moisturizing gels to keep your eyes moist, especially when you are exposed to fine dust for long periods of time.

- Blink frequently: Especially when working with computers or phones for long periods of time to avoid dry eyes.

- Maintain air humidity: Use a humidifier in the room to reduce dry eyes.

- Regular eye exams: Regular eye exams to promptly detect eye problems, especially if you have a history of eye disease or are frequently exposed to air pollution, at least once every 6 months.

- Reduce exposure to polluted environments: Limit going out on days with high air pollution index (AQI).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuong-xuyen-ra-duong-can-bao-ve-mat-truoc-bui-min-nhu-the-nao-185250402093707577.htm