PM 2.5 is a threat close to the eyes.

Over the past three years, the issue of PM 2.5 pollution has escalated in Thailand, persisting as a continuous concern.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US. EPA) has established standards for particulate matter in the air that poses health risks to humans, using PM (Particulate Matters) as criteria for air quality assessment.

PM 10, commonly known as 'coarse particles,' refers to airborne particulate matter with a diameter ranging from 2.5 to 10 micrometers. These particles, often visible, include dust from household items, pollen, or construction debris.

PM 2.5, or 'final particles,' denotes airborne particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. 
(healthenvi, 2024)

It originates from sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plants, industrial factories, cooking fumes, waste incineration, wildfires, and emissions from sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). (thaihealth, 2024)

Due to their small size, PM 2.5 particles can easily enter the body, posing health risks. When inhaled, these particles can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, affecting respiratory function or potentially leading to cancer. 

Eye contact with PM 2.5 can cause irritation, redness, and various eye conditions.

1. Bacterial conjunctivitis, or chronic pink eye, can lead to viral or bacterial infections due to weakened immunity. Symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, and feeling sore, itchy, and irritated, especially when exposed to light, which can cause watery eyes. Swelling of the eyelids may occur, and there may be eye discharge in the morning, leading to difficulty in opening the eyes.
   
   
2. Corneal inflammation, if rubbed, can cause the cornea to easily detach due to its weakness. Symptoms include redness, pain, and swelling in the eyes, dry eyes, eye irritation, light sensitivity, blurry vision, presence of tears or other fluids flowing from the eyes, reduced visual acuity, a sensation of having something in the eye, and feeling pain when blinking or inability to blink.
   
   
3. Allergic conjunctivitis is a chronic allergic condition. People with nasal allergies are more likely to have allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms include red eyes, eye irritation, itching, swollen eyelids, and white mucus discharge. Characteristics of the symptoms include reddish eyes with a hazy appearance, sensitivity to light, itching, and swollen eyelids
   
   
4. Dry eyes, the level of air pollution and humidity in the air are related to dry eye symptoms, leading to faster evaporation of the tear film. Symptoms include eye irritation, feeling like there is debris in the eyes constantly, blurry vision, watery eyes, sticky mucus discharge, and possible headaches or eye pain.
5. Conjunctivitis is caused by small dust particles and smoke leading to irritation, coupled with bacterial infection, resulting in shrimp-eye syndrome.
   
   
6. Optic nerve research has found that even short-term exposure to small dust particles such as PM2.5, PM10, and carbon dust causes constriction of blood vessels in the optic nerve, leading to abnormalities in the circulatory system. This deprivation of oxygen to the optic nerve can result in abnormal vision.
   
   
7. People who wear contact lenses are more prone to dust adhering to the lenses than the general population, leading to eye irritation. They often feel drier eyes than usual because contact lens wearers typically already have dry eyes, which can exacerbate dry eye syndrome. In some cases, rubbing the eyes may cause the dust particles to scratch the cornea and lead to inflammation.  

   (Payathai Hospital, 2023)

    

Preventive measures and eye care guidelines.

Therefore, you may overlook the issue of PM 2.5 dust affecting your eyes because mostly we focus on protecting our respiratory system by wearing masks. However, your eyes are another organ directly exposed to dust. Müller provides information on its impact and preventive measures above so that you can apply them and maintain the health of your eyes. 🫶💗

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

You can consult and have your eyes checked by optometrists at Müller Optic without any charge. Visit us at the following branches:

1. Opposite Lanna Hospital, Superhighway Road
2. HomePro Sansai Branch

We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

For inquiries or appointments, you can contact us via Facebook: Müller OPTIK Chiang Mai Personalized Eyewear or by phone at 063-114-6333.