Written By: Muskan Gupta | Updated : November 6, 2025 11:50 AM IST
A thick layer of smog and hazardous air has caused a significant increase in eye infections such as allergies, dryness, burning sensations, and excessive watering, affecting both adults and children, according to the doctors in Delhi.
With air quality dropping to the severe category following Diwali, ophthalmologists report a 60% increase in such instances, blaming the hazardous cocktail of smoke, particle matter, and chemical residues from firecracker burning. They cautioned that the dangerously high amount of pollution would affect not just the lungs but also the eyes.
Speaking to Dr Prashaant Chaudhry, Senior Consultant & Head of Ophthalmology and Refractive Surgery at Aakash Healthcare, he said, "With the levels of pollution being very high in Delhi, we are experiencing nearly a 60 per cent upsurge in the number of patients presenting with complaints of the eye in the OPD. The smog has minute toxic substances that are deposited on the surface of the eye and scratch the conjunctiva."
The doctor warned that cases of burning, continuous itching, eyes watering, eyes having too much dryness, feeling of a foreign body, blurred vision and even not being able to open their eyes are being reported.
"To prevent it, we highly suggest that individuals should not spend much time outdoors during the most active smog periods, wear protective glasses when going outside, avoid rubbing the eyes, and use lubricating drops with preservatives to keep the eyes moist. This season is important when it comes to eye protection," the doctor advised.
Delhi's air quality has been in the "severe" category since Diwali, leaving residents gasping. Experts warn that continuous exposure to such poisonous air can cause chronic eye disorders, especially in persons who spend a lot of time outside, such as traffic cops, delivery drivers, and schoolchildren.
