Impact of Environmental Factors on Eye Health

Abstract

Environmental factors like pollutants, toxic gases and chemicals, bacteria, smoking, various drugs, variable humidity, temperature variations, ultraviolet radiations, cosmetics affect the various parts of eyes like cornea, conjunctiva, etc. in several ways leads to plenty of eye disorders like cataract, conjunctivitis, glaucoma and dry eye. Eye is the most vulnerable organ to atmospheric and environmental insults. Though, naturally eyes are structured to protect itself from foreign objects such as, dust, wind, and very bright light, for the purpose of vision they need to remain open. Chronic exposure to toxic pollutants via air and water damages the eye from minor irritation to retinal bleeding. Taking a shower in water contaminated with chemicals can degrade eye health and vision slowly over the time. Exposure to increased noise, flood light sources, global warming, intense infra-red and UV radiations too damages our vision. This article reviews the role of environmental factors on eye health.