'Severe pollution': Eye doctors report spike in cases
Delhi's air has been stuck at "severe" levels since Diwali, and it's taking a toll on people's eyes.
Doctors at Delhi Eye Centre, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and AIIMS say they're seeing 50-60% more cases of redness, dryness, itching, and burning—mostly thanks to all the smoke and fine particles in the air.
Who's getting hit hardest?
Kids, older adults with dry eyes, and anyone who spends a lot of time outside (think traffic cops) are getting hit hardest.
Pollution can actually damage the surface of your eyes over time—sometimes leading to infections if things get really bad.
What can you do to protect your eyes?
Experts recommend skipping contact lenses and heavy eye makeup on super-smoggy days.
Try using lubricating drops, wear sunglasses or protective glasses outside, wash your eyes when you get home, and keep an air purifier running indoors if you can.
When to see a doctor
If your eyes stay red or start hurting—or if your vision changes—it's smart to see an eye doctor quickly.
Catching problems early makes a big difference for long-term eye health.