By Abbas Nazil
The impact of climate change and environmental pollution on eye health has become an increasing concern worldwide, particularly in countries experiencing rapid economic development.
In 2025, global environmental developments such as the European Union updating its climate pledge, the creation of the first carbon market rules, and COP30 agreements to triple climate finance for developing countries highlighted the urgent need for action.
Air quality has worsened significantly in many urban areas, with cities like Delhi reporting Air Quality Index (AQI) levels repeatedly exceeding 700, exposing millions to harmful pollutants.
Pollution, dust, smoke, and extreme weather events directly affect the eyes, which are highly exposed to environmental toxins.
Studies show that fine particulate matter, PM2.5 and PM10, and irritant gases can destabilize the tear film covering the cornea and sclera, causing micro-abrasions, inflammation, and increased risk of ocular surface disease.
Dry-eye syndrome, characterized by burning, redness, watery eyes, and fluctuating vision, is worsened during hot, dusty, or smoky periods, while low humidity and high temperatures accelerate tear evaporation and salt concentration, increasing blinking friction.
UV radiation exposure further contributes to eye damage, including cataracts and acute photokeratitis, which is essentially a corneal sunburn that can be intensely painful but preventable with proper sun protection.
Pollution and environmental heat stress also accelerate lens protein degradation, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to cataract formation.
Keratitis, or corneal inflammation, can result from chronic exposure to dust, allergens, and pollutants, weakening the corneal epithelium and making it more vulnerable to infection.
Long-term pollution exposure affects ocular nutrition, depleting antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as trace elements like zinc and selenium, which are essential for eye resilience.
Experts stress that a coordinated approach involving government, healthcare providers, and public-private partnerships is needed to monitor AQI and UV levels, expand eye disease prevention programs, and ensure access to affordable anti-inflammatory treatments and cataract screenings.
India’s initiatives, including solar-powered infrastructure like the Delhi Metro and national clean air programs, demonstrate how environmental management can yield both climate and health co-benefits, reducing CO2 emissions while protecting public eye health.
A holistic strategy addressing pollution, climate exposure, and socioeconomic factors is essential to safeguard vision and improve overall population health in the context of accelerating climate change and environmental risks.