Why you should protect your eyes when air pollution levels are high

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Impact of Air Pollution on Vision

Introduction

In 19th-century London, when Charles Dickens wrote that “the fog was heavy and dark,” people were advised to wear special fog glasses while out in the smog to avoid “smarting eyes.” Modern research shows that such recommendations were onto something: Dirty air can ruin our eyesight.

The Impact of Air Pollution on Eyesight

1. Air pollution can lead to various vision disorders, including cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, age-related macular degeneration, and the need for glasses.
2. Studies have found that even lower doses of air pollution can harm our eyes, not just in heavily polluted cities in Asia but also in North America and Europe.
3. Research on how a dirty atmosphere can impact our eyes is still emerging, but it is clear that our eyes are particularly vulnerable to dirty air.
4. Exposure to pollution in the air can lead to dry eye disease and inflammation of the retina.
5. High exposure to fine particles found in pollution significantly increases the risk of glaucoma.
6. Even lower levels of air pollution than those found in heavily polluted areas can lead to vision problems, including glaucoma and cataracts.
7. Exposure to polluted air has also been linked to an epidemic of myopia (nearsightedness) in certain regions.

Research Findings and Recommendations

• Studies have shown that fine particle pollution may be responsible for a significant number of age-related cataracts in certain countries.
• Exposure to polluted air increases the risk of myopia in children.
• Parks and greenery in neighborhoods have been associated with a lower risk of myopia among children.
• Laboratory experiments on animals and human retinal cells have provided further evidence of the damaging effects of air pollution on vision.
• To counteract the damaging effects of dirty air on the eyes, it is recommended to wear sunglasses, use lubricating eyedrops, wash hands often, and avoid rubbing the eyes on days with high air pollution levels.
• An antioxidant-rich diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, may also help protect against the harmful effects of air pollution on vision.

The Role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Air pollution and its impact on vision align with several SDGs, including:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Air pollution poses significant risks to human health, including vision disorders.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Addressing air pollution is crucial for creating clean and sustainable urban environments.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing air pollution requires transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The research on air pollution and its impact on vision highlights the need for urgent action to reduce pollution levels and protect human health. The best way to protect vision from dirty air is to stop burning fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources. Until then, taking preventive measures such as wearing sunglasses and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution on the eyes.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Related to Air Pollution and Vision Issues

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities.
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air.
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the article may not align exactly with the official indicators used for monitoring progress towards the SDGs. The indicators provided here are based on the information available in the article.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: washingtonpost.com

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