Smoke from summer wildfires can travel hundreds of miles. With it comes micron-size particles made of solids and liquids that wreak havoc on our health and float in the atmosphere long after the smoke has cleared.
Sometimes, the particles can affect us before we even smell the smoke. In addition to their harmful effects on breathing, these particles may land and stick in our eyes, causing burning sensations, tearing, and redness. For those with dry eye syndrome, it’s even worse. The smoke is also a challenge for contact lens wearers.
What does wildfire smoke do to your eyes?
“Tears consist of a balance of water, oil, mucus, and proteins,” explains Nishika Reddy, MD, an ophthalmologist and cornea specialist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. “Generally, tears lubricate our eyes and provide important protection from dirt, dust, and infection, but a disruption in the balance can cause real problems. Gases and particulates in the smoke can cause real discomfort and, sometimes, blurred vision.”
Tips to prevent or treat irritation caused by smoke in your eyes
Reddy offers several suggestions for dealing with summer wildfire smoke:
- If you’re in an area affected by wildfires—or even within hundreds of miles—stay indoors.
- To reduce the smoke in your home, close windows, turn on central air conditioning (with a clean filter), use humidifiers in the spaces where you spend the most time, and use a HEPA air purifier if you have one.
- Refresh your eyes with artificial tears up to several times a day (and keep the drops in the refrigerator for extra effect). Avoid rinsing your eyes with tap water, as it can change the chemical makeup of your tears.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Rest with a soft, cold washcloth on closed eyelids.
- Wear goggles, wraparound glasses, or sunglasses.
If eye irritation lasts longer than a few days, or if your vision becomes blurry, Reddy suggests contacting your ophthalmologist.
“Moderate to severe dryness may cause damage to the conjunctiva—the membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid,” Reddy says. “It can also damage the surface cells of the cornea, so pay extra attention to any blurriness and talk to your doctor about it.”