Protecting Your Eyes During Western New York’s Wildfire Smoke

The smoky skies we’ve seen across Western New York are more than just an inconvenience. They can have a real impact on your eye health.

As smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to affect our region’s air quality, some people are experiencing red, itchy, watery or irritated eyes. While these symptoms are often temporary, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your eyes and keep you comfortable until the air quality improves.

Limit Your Exposure

The best way to protect your eyes is to avoid prolonged exposure to smoky air whenever possible. Stay indoors, keep your windows and doors closed and use your air conditioning system if available to help filter the air circulating through your home.

Keep Your Eyes Lubricated

Wildfire smoke can quickly dry out the surface of your eyes. Preservative-free artificial tears can help rinse away irritants and provide much-needed moisture throughout the day. If you’re shopping for eye drops, avoid choosing “get the red out” products as your first option. These drops temporarily reduce redness but don’t effectively treat the dryness and irritation caused by smoke.

Wear Protective Eyewear Outdoors

If you need to be outside, consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or glasses. They provide a barrier against smoke particles while also protecting your eyes from wind, which can make irritation even worse.

Resist the Urge to Rub Your Eyes

When your eyes are itchy or burning, rubbing them may seem like the quickest solution. Unfortunately, rubbing can make irritation worse and may even scratch the surface of the eye if tiny particles of ash or dust are present.

Be Mindful with Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can become uncomfortable during periods of poor air quality because smoke particles may cling to the lenses and increase irritation. If possible, switch to glasses until conditions improve. If you need to wear contacts, daily disposable lenses are often the best option because they provide a fresh, clean lens each day.

Soothe Irritated Eyes

A cool compress placed over your closed eyelids for several minutes can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from burning or irritated eyes.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water supports your body’s natural tear production and helps keep your eyes properly lubricated, especially during periods of dry, smoky conditions.

Consider an Air Purifier

If wildfire smoke continues to affect our region, a high-quality air purifier can help improve your indoor air quality by reducing smoke particles and other airborne irritants in your home or workplace.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

While mild irritation is common during periods of poor air quality, you should seek medical attention if you experience persistent eye pain, significant vision changes, extreme light sensitivity or symptoms that don’t improve after the smoke clears. At Atwal Eye Care, we’re committed to helping you protect your vision through every season. If you’re experiencing ongoing eye irritation or have concerns about your eye health, our team is here to help.

We look forward to seeing you when you need us!