KATHMANDU, April 4: As air pollution worsens in the Kathmandu Valley, hospitals are seeing a rise in eye-related problems such as allergies. BP Koirala Eye Hospital has recorded an increasing number of patients seeking treatment for itchy eyes, burning sensations, and eye fatigue.
Dr Ranju Sitaula, an ophthalmologist at the hospital, said pollution-related issues affect 15 percent of the hospital's daily patients. The hospital treats about 500 eye patients each day.
Nepal Eye Hospital in Tripureshwor has also observed more pollution-related cases over the past week. Patients have reported symptoms including eye irritation, itching, burning, and discomfort while opening their eyes. The hospital noted that 12 percent of its daily patients suffer from these conditions. Around 700 people visit the hospital for treatment every day.
Dr Sitaula from BP Koirala Eye Hospital said patients are arriving with eye problems ranging from mild to severe, and the hospital is treating them accordingly. "We've started prescribing antibiotics to some patients after their eye infections progressed and pus formed," she said, noting that the number of eye patients has surged sharply over the past four days.
Seasonal flu and pollution-related illnesses on rise
She pointed out that many allergy-related eye cases are directly linked to pollution. "Pollution is damaging the surface of the eyes," she said, explaining that chemical pollutants entering the eyes are triggering allergic reactions.
Dr Indu Prasad Dhungel, an eye specialist at Nepal Eye Hospital, said rising air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley and major cities of neighboring countries is driving up the number of eye patients.
She explained that two types of pollution during this season are driving the rise in allergy-related eye problems. Polluted air carries two forms of dust particles—one type settles on the ground, while the other enters the body through the eyes or respiratory tract. These particles are increasing cases of eye and nasal allergies. When chemical particles or pollen dust from trees and plants enter the eyes or nose, they trigger allergic reactions.
Doctors have urged people to remain cautious, as allergy-related issues are likely to continue until it rains or pollution levels decrease. They advise people to stay indoors as much as possible. If they must go out, they should travel by vehicle and wear protective eyewear.
Doctors also recommend rinsing the eyes with clean water after returning home. If allergy symptoms develop, patients should use eye drops or other prescribed medications. In cases of burning eyes caused by allergies, doctors suggest applying cold compresses to relieve discomfort.
The Ministry of Health and Population reports that the rise in air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley over the past few weeks has begun to affect public health. The ministry has issued a notice urging everyone to take extra precautions for public health protection.
The Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures global air quality, recently ranked Nepal among the most polluted countries.
The AQI scale classifies air quality as follows: 0 to 50 is clean, 51 to 100 is moderate, 101 to 150 is potentially harmful, 151 to 200 is unhealthy, 201 to 300 is very unhealthy, and above 301 is hazardous. Currently, Kathmandu's air pollution level has reached the hazardous level (348).
Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki advises sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, to take special precautions as air pollution can cause asthma, lung problems, issues with the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, as well as heart disease and long-term health issues.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary due to increased air pollution. It recommends wearing masks and sunglasses when traveling, staying away from highly polluted areas, and consulting a doctor if any health problems arise.
