1. Wear Protective Eyewear Outdoors

Always wear sunglasses or clear protective glasses when you step outside, especially during high wind or construction activity. Wrap-around styles offer better coverage and prevent dust particles from entering your eyes from the sides.

2. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

When dust gets into the eye, it causes itching – and the instinct is to rub. But rubbing can scratch the cornea and push dust deeper into the eye, worsening the problem. Use clean water or saline solution instead.

3. Keep Eyes Moisturized

Dust and pollution can dry out your eyes. Use lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to prevent dryness, especially if you work in air-conditioned or dusty environments. Avoid overuse, and consult an eye specialist for recommendations.

4. Wash Your Face and Eyes Regularly

When returning home, wash your face and splash clean water in your eyes to remove dust particles. This simple habit reduces the chances of infection and soothes eye strain.

5. Maintain Personal Hygiene

Avoid sharing towels, eye makeup, or lenses. Dirty hands and contaminated items are a major source of eye infections like conjunctivitis (red eye).

6. Avoid Contact Lenses in Dusty Conditions

Contact lenses can trap dust under the lens surface, increasing the risk of irritation and infection. Switch to glasses on particularly dusty days, and always clean lenses as instructed.

7. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Use air purifiers or keep indoor plants that filter the air. Close windows during dust storms and regularly clean fans, windows, and furniture to reduce indoor dust buildup.

8. Take Breaks from Screens

Prolonged screen time can worsen dry eyes, especially in a dusty or air-conditioned environment. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

9. Watch for Warning Signs

Persistent redness, blurry vision, discharge, or pain could indicate an infection or injury. Don’t delay. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage.

10. Visit an Eye Specialist

Routine eye checkups can detect minor problems before they become serious. At Al Baseer Trust Hospital, our Eye OPD is equipped to treat infections, irritation, and perform surgeries for patients who need them – free of cost for deserving individuals.

Conclusion

Your eyes are precious and irreplaceable. In dusty environments, a little care goes a long way. Follow these steps to protect your vision and ensure long-term eye health. If you experience discomfort or symptoms persist, don’t wait. Visit Al Baseer Trust Hospital for expert, affordable, and compassionate eye care.