Hyderabad, August 03: Motorists have a new problem to deal with in addition to bumpy roads and traffic gridlocks. Eye infection cases are on the rise in the twin cities since the monsoon started. Most of the people suffering from eye infections are vehicle riders and auto drivers.
With the number of vehicles increasing every day, the streets damaged by recent rains seem to gather dust storms whenever vehicles pass by.
Many ophthalmologists said motorists and auto drivers are regular visitors to eye-care centres with eye infections. “If I don’t wear glasses and the helmet, I cannot go to work. The eye irritation does not help you to concentrate. It is like a unending dust storm in the city,” complains L Sri Krishna, who works in a private school in Punjagutta. Eye specialists advised more precaution for motorists. They should wear plain goggles and use eye-drops. Dust particles affect eyes and cause itching and make them puffy and dry.
The thin layer of dust hanging in the air is mainly due to damaged roads. The monsoons has made the situation worse. After the stagnant water is released into the drains, a fine layer of dust is left on the surface and every passing vehicle leaves a cloud of dust behind. Vehicle riders are having a tough time to negotiate roads at Nagarjuna Circle, City Centre, Banjara Hills, Ladki-ka-pul, Khairatabad, Jubilee Hills check post, Begumpet, Madhapur-TCS stretch and the Secunderabad-Bowenpally stretch. Prolonged exposure to dust is also leading to more serious eye ailments.
Dr Virendra Sangwan, head of cornea and anterior disease department, LV Prasad Institute said, “ We have not come across eye problems due to dust in the city. We are seeing more of seasonal problems like the increase in conjunctivitis cases, which are common during monsoons.
According to Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) data, the total suspended particulate matter (TSPM) and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) levels are well above the normal levels as shown in the graphic. TSPM is a dangerous pollutant which could enter our lungs and irritate the respiratory system. Combined with other gaseous pollutants like nitrogen or sulphur oxides, it could cause asthma. It is also responsible for dimming the air or causing a brown haze over cities.
–Agencies