Wildfire Smoke Causing Eye Irritation

As smoke from the BC wildfires spreads across the west, people are feeling the effects in their eyes.

Eye symptoms caused by wildfire smoke can include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Tearing
• Sandy gritty sensation
• Blurred vision
• Aggravation of dry eyes, blepharitis, & allergies

Tips for those experiencing symptoms

• Preservative-free artificial tears to help lubricate the eye and help flush out airborne particles from the eye. Keeping these drops refrigerated can provide additional relief.
• Cold compresses provide soothing relief to the eyelids and help reduce itching.
• Staying indoors and keeping your windows and doors closed will prevent exacerbation of underlying eye conditions such as dry eyes, blepharitis, and eye allergies.
• Wearing glasses or goggles during this time and avoid contact lenses as they attract airborne particles for smoke. Specialty dry eye relief goggles can be a great option if you are sensitive to smoke in the air. Wrap-around sunglasses can reduce the amount of air going into your eyes.
• Improve your indoor air with an air filter that can help keep wildfire smoke out of your home.

If your eyes are suffering from wildfire smoke, book an appointment to see one of our Optometrists today. Medically necessary visits are covered by Alberta Health. We can help you with your dry eyes, blepharitis & eye allergies.

Photo credit: CTV Calgary