Effects of environmental air pollution on the eye

The eye is vulnerable to the effects of air pollution. Manifestations of air pollution can range from minimal or no symptoms to chronic discomfort and eye irritation. There may also be specific situations, in contact lens wearers for example, where the eyes may be adversely affected by air pollution. Despite the presence of air pollution in many indoor and outdoor environments, the ocular effects of air pollution are often overlooked by optometrists when examining their patients. In this article, background knowledge needed to understand the effects of air pollution on the eye will be reviewed. Suggestions for management of air pollution-related eye symptoms are provided.