Despite the light showers in Delhi, pollution in the city is creating a menace. After respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, hospitals in the city are now busy treating patients coming with the complaints of red and itchy eyes, suggest doctors across the city.

According to the doctors, apart from itchy and watery eyes, patients these days are flooding in with dry eyes and ocular allergy.

"Due to increasing pollution, there is increase in the incidence of dry eye and ocular allergy. This is causing discomfort even in normal eyes and aggravates the eye complaints in eyes that are prone to dryness and allergies. If care is not taken immediately, some of these eyes can have reduced vision due to this problem as well," said Dr Rajesh Sinha, Professor of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

As per some doctors, their outpatient departments (OPDs) have seen approximately 30 % rise in the number of patients.

"We are observing an increase in number of patients coming to us with complains of redness, Itching, watering in the eyes. Patients with pre-existing dry eyes are experiencing exacerbation due to high pollution. We are observing an increase of almost 30 % in number of patients coming to us with eye related problems," said Dr Ikeda Lal, Ophthalmologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

Similarly, Dr Ashu Agarwal, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has seen 20 to 25 per cent rise in the hospital.

"Over the past 2 to 3 weeks, there has been an increase in the number of patients presenting complaints of irritation, burning sensation, watering and redness due to rising pollution," said Dr Ashu.

Amidst this, the doctors are suggesting some preventive measures to their patients.