Wildfire Smoke and Burning Eyes: 5 Ways to Cope

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Smoke from wildfires can make your eyes burn and sting even if you live miles from the fire’s hot spot. People with existing eye conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, or allergic conjunctivitis are especially susceptible to discomfort from wildfire smoke.

“Every single patient, almost without exception, complained of stinging, burning, red eyes — and my eyes were feeling the same way,” said John Bosetti, MD, an ophthalmologist in Napa, Calif., recalling his experience during a massive wildfire in 2020, the largest at that time in California’s history.

“Patients with pre-existing health problems had a particularly hard time,” he adds. Even patients with mild underlying diseases came to his clinic seeking treatment for red, irritated eyes.

5 Ways to Relieve Burning Eyes During Wildfires

Wildfires are increasingly striking during cold and flu season, when many people opt to stay indoors to avoid infection. Some also wear face masks to prevent the spread of illness. These measures may help reduce smoke exposure, too.

“All of us will get double duty by wearing a mask,” Dr. Bosetti says. “Wearing a mask may not help our eyes, but it will decrease inhalation of smoke and particles while preventing the spread [of illness].”

Get relief from dry, burning eyes during wildfire season:

  • Use over-the-counter artificial tears. Patients with underlying conditions already using artificial tears may want to double their application until the smoke dissipates.
  • Cool your eyes. Keeping artificial tears in the refrigerator is a great way to have something cool ready to rinse your eyes. Lying down with a cold compress over your eyes is also soothing.
  • Stay indoors. Particularly if you have an underlying condition that makes you more sensitive to the smoke, such as dry eye, it’s best to close the windows and stay indoors as much as possible.
  • Wear glasses or goggles. Specialty goggles that are often prescribed to patients with dry eye can be a great option for anyone experiencing sensitivity to smoke in the air. And close-fitting glasses or sunglasses will provide at least some barrier that slows the stream of air going into your eyes.
  • Use an air filter to purify your indoor air: A HEPA air purifier can help keep wildfire smoke out of your home.

Ask Your Ophthalmologist for Help

If these measures don’t bring quick relief, ask your ophthalmologist for help. Your doctor may examine your eyes using a tool called a slit lamp to rule out other possible reasons for your eye discomfort. After that exam, your doctor may prescribe a stronger treatment, such as a brief course of anti-inflammatory medication, to soothe your eyes until the smoke clears.

Burned landscape with scorched grass and trees and smoke rising into the sky

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