Dominican ophthalmologists warn of eye risks from Saharan dust

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Society of Ophthalmology has alerted the public about the effects of Saharan dust on eye health, warning that high concentrations of airborne particles can cause discomfort, visual disturbances, and worsen existing C.

According to the organization, the most common symptoms linked to exposure include eye irritation, a sensation of a foreign body in the eye, blurred vision, itching, dryness, and discharge. The phenomenon can also aggravate conditions such as allergic conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, increasing inflammation, redness, and vision-related discomfort.

To protect eye health, specialists recommend limiting outdoor exposure during periods of high dust concentration, avoiding rubbing the eyes, using lubricating eye drops without vasoconstrictors, and wearing protective sunglasses. They also advise seeking medical attention if symptoms such as persistent itching, redness, discharge, eye fatigue, or reduced vision do not improve with artificial tears or lubricating drops.