I am concerned about the recent trends of bad air pollution from the haze along klang valley especially near port klang. Here are the stats from the APIMS (Air pollution Index Management system) https://apims.doe.gov.my/home.html

Here are a few stats about the latest API (17/10/23) , all of which are moderate but are reaching unhealthy levels :

Klang : 93

Johan Setia : 79

Banting : 89

Shah Alam : 83

As the haze settles in, many of us are experiencing discomfort in our eyes. But do you know the real impact of this environmental phenomenon on our eye health?

Here’s a closer look at the possible side effects on how haze effects our eyes :

𝟏) 𝐈𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬:: One of the most common symptoms during hazy days is itching and irritation in the eyes. The tiny particles in the haze can trigger an inflammatory response in our eyes, making them uncomfortable.

𝟮) 𝗗𝗿𝘆𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Haze can reduce the humidity in the air, leading to dry eyes. Dryness can cause a burning sensation and blurred vision, making it essential to use artificial tears to keep the eyes moist.

𝟯) 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀: Haze can irritate the sensitive blood vessels in our eyes, leading to redness and excessive tearing as our eyes try to flush out irritants.

𝟰) 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Prolonged exposure to haze can weaken the eye’s natural defense mechanisms, making it more susceptible to infections like conjunctivitis.

𝟱) 𝗔𝗴𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Individuals with conditions like allergies and dry eye syndrome may experience exacerbated symptoms during hazy periods.

Dr. Katherine has compiled ways on how we can protect our eyes during this period