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From smog to screen strain, discover why eye infections spike during festive season and how to protect your vision.
Dust, smoke, and airborne irritants can cause redness, itching, and long-term eye strain.
The festive season is synonymous with packed suitcases, crowded terminals, long drives, and late nights. But alongside the celebrations, eye clinics quietly brace for a predictable spike in patients. Redness, itching, watering, and gritty discomfort become common complaints which are often dismissed as fatigue or ‘just dust’ until symptoms worsen. Doctors say the real culprits are seasonal air pollution and travel stress, a combination that leaves the eyes unusually vulnerable to infection.
“Eye infections often become more common during the festive season because of increased air pollution, travel, and changes in daily habits,” says Dr. Smita Grover, Consultant, Phacoemulsification, Strabismus, Pediatric & Neuro-Ophthalmology, Vision Eye Centre, Delhi. Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director, Orbis (India), adds, “Clinics consistently report an uptick in ocular infections from late autumn through the festive season due to deteriorating air quality and increased travel.” Echoing this, Dr. Sheetal Kishanpuria, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, Delhi, notes, “For eye doctors, this time of year brings a predictable surge. More people walk in with red, watery, irritated eyes.”
A Seasonal Surge Eye Doctors Expect
The rise isn’t coincidental. Winter air traps pollutants closer to the ground, while festive activities increase outdoor exposure. “More dust, smoke from firecrackers, vehicle emissions, and tiny particles in the air irritate the eyes and weaken their natural protection,” Dr. Grover explains. This makes infections such as conjunctivitis, allergic eye disease, and dry eye syndrome more likely.
Unlike the lungs, the eyes have no filtration system. As Dr. Kishanpuria puts it, “Whatever is in the air lands directly on the eye surface.”
Pollution: The Invisible Irritant
Microscopic particles, especially PM2.5 and PM10, disrupt the tear film – the eye’s first line of defence. “These particles interfere with the stability of the tear film, compromising lubrication and barrier function,” says Dr. Borah. When this layer breaks down, the eyes struggle to flush out microbes and debris. The result: burning, redness, and that familiar ‘sand-in-the-eye’ feeling.
Rubbing only worsens matters. “Habitual eye rubbing introduces microbes from the hands to the ocular surface,” he adds, increasing infection risk.
Travel Makes Things Worse
Then comes travel. Long hours in flights, buses, or trains mean recirculated, dry air and reduced humidity. “Air conditioning during long trips can dry out your eyes, causing redness, burning, and discomfort,” says Dr. Grover. Add to that dehydration, sleep disruption, prolonged screen use, and crowded public spaces – ideal conditions for viral and bacterial spread.
“In packed environments, infections spread easily. One careless touch is enough,” Dr. Kishanpuria notes.
Who’s Most At Risk
While anyone can develop symptoms, certain groups need extra caution. “Children, elderly individuals, contact lens users, and people with pre-existing eye conditions are more susceptible,” says Dr. Grover. Dr. Borah adds that those with dry eye disease, allergies, or glaucoma may see their conditions worsen during this period. Early symptoms often seem mild with slight redness or watering, but ignoring them can lead to complications.
Smart Habits That Protect Your Eyes
Prevention, experts stress, is simple and effective. Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors, wash hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing eyes, stay hydrated, and follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen use. Reducing contact lens wear on high-pollution days and using preservative-free lubricating drops can help maintain moisture.
“Self-medication, especially steroid drops without advice, should be avoided,” cautions Dr. Grover. If symptoms persist beyond 24–48 hours, seek medical care.
Festivals are meant to be joyful, not remembered through weeks of discomfort. A few mindful habits can keep irritation from turning into infection – ensuring the season stays bright, not blurry.
Delhi, India, India
February 06, 2026, 12:34 IST
