As air pollution continues to affect urban populations, its consequences are increasingly being recognised beyond respiratory health. Exposure to smog, dust and fine particulate matter can also affect the eyes, triggering redness, dryness, itching, burning sensations and excessive watering.
According to a systematic review published in the journal The Ocular Surface in January 2025, researchers analysed 102 studies examining the relationship between air pollution and eye health. The review found that exposure to particulate matter was associated with inflammation and damage to the ocular surface. Clinical studies also reported symptoms such as itching, burning and irritation, alongside conditions including dry eye disease, conjunctivitis and allergic eye disease.
The researchers explained that airborne pollutants can trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, affecting the cornea and conjunctiva, the transparent front surface of the eye and the membrane covering the white part of the eyeball, respectively.
A 2024 study published in Clinical Ophthalmology, which examined 144,313 eye-related outpatient visits in the Denver metropolitan area, also found that visits for ocular irritation and allergies increased alongside higher concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has also highlighted the relationship between environmental pollution and eye problems. In a July 2025 report, the organisation noted that particulate matter and ozone can irritate the ocular surface, while exposure to polluted air may aggravate existing eye conditions.
How Can You Protect Your Eyes?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends limiting outdoor exposure during periods of poor air quality and wearing protective eyewear when stepping outside. It also advises people to avoid rubbing their eyes, maintain proper eyelid and contact lens hygiene, and consult an eye-care professional about suitable lubricating eye drops.
Using clean hands to wash the face and eyelids after returning indoors may also help remove deposited pollutants. People experiencing persistent dryness, redness or irritation should seek medical advice rather than self-medicating.
Severe eye pain, marked redness, light sensitivity or sudden vision changes require prompt medical attention.
As pollution remains a growing urban health concern, eye protection deserves attention alongside respiratory precautions. Recognising early symptoms and reducing exposure to airborne irritants can help protect the delicate surface of the eyes.
Sources
-
The Ocular Surface – Systematic Review (2025)
-
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
-
American Optometric Association (AOA)
