Kathmandu The sunny side of the changing weather is being obstructed by the windy weather currently. This is causing difficulty for people even to walk on the road — the dust in the air is the major hindrance. Flu is already a problem in this changing weather. Adding to the woes is dust allergy. The dust particles present in the polluted air of the Capital have been a major challenge for the city dwellers. Its impact is evident in eyes of many people. In this season, Dr Shailesh Mani Pokharel, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan advises people to “be careful of his/her eyes as there is a windy weather outside”. He adds, “The pollen grains too cause various eye diseases during this season. So, people must be careful if they are to keep their eyes healthy.” Allergic Conjunctivitis Pollen grains and dust particles suspended in the air are harmful to your eyes — they cause allergic conjunctivitis and other problems follow. “Contact with such pollen and dust particles can lead to allergic conjunctivitis — an inflammation of eyes resulted from an allergic reaction to substances like dust particles, animal dander, wood particles et cetera,” shares Dr Pokharel adding, “When there is allergic conjunctivitis people rub their eyes. Because of rubbing, it further leads to excoriation.” There aren’t many complications of allergic conjunctivitis other than uneasiness. But carelessness can aggravate this problem. “If you rub your eyes without washing hands, then there are chances of infection and ulcers in the eyes,” the doctor explains. Allergic conjunctivitis doesn’t hamper vision. But if someone has problem in their vision, the doctor suggests them to visit the ophthalmologist. And you must be careful about watery discharge from eyes when you have allergic conjunctivitis. “Unless there is not a severe conjunctivitis, there is no discharge of puss from the eyes. Therefore, people must be careful if there is a puss discharge from their eyes,” he informs. The risks Anyone can get eye problems due to the dust particles present in the air. “Children below the age of 10 are prone to effects of eye allergies because they can’t complain of their problems as they don’t know what an allergy is. Parents often come to the hospital with complaints of their child rubbing his/her eyes,” he reveals. If the eye problem is not treated on time then it could lead to further complications as per the doctor. “Such problems are seen throughout the year but they are common during this season as it is the time for the trees to bloom — and the pollen grains released in air can cause allergies. If these allergies are not treated on time, cornea can be affected. It can further lead to problems in vision,” Dr Pokharel adds. Dr Pokharel advises the following ways to keep eye problems at bay:   •    Do not stand or walk near anyone who is drilling •    If your eyes turn red, then visit the ophthalmologist •    Wear sunglasses •    Use tear substitutes only under prescription •    Avoid vigorous washing of your eyes •    Take care of your children’s eyes