The exposure of the ocular surface to the components of the smoke can cause symptoms both in the personnel trying to put out the fires and in the general population. Not only the residents of the affected areas are at risk, but also people hundreds of kilometers away, since with the strong winds the smoke from the fires can cover huge distances.
“The smooth functioning of the eye surface (ocular surface), which is not a single entity, but composed of individual structures, each of which can be affected by smoke, is of vital importance to vision,” emphasizes Dr. Anastasios-I. Kanellopoulos, MD, Ophthalmologist, founder and scientific director of the LaserVision Ophthalmology Institute, professor of Ophthalmology at New York University and explains:
“The surface of our eyes consists of the cornea, the conjunctiva, the tear layer, the eyelids and glands that produce various components of the tear layer. In particular, eyelid movement stimulates the production of tears, which coat the cornea and conjunctiva. This ensures their adequate hydration, their supply with nutrients and their protection from pathogenic microorganisms and toxins. When the balance of this system is disturbed, irritation and inflammation of the eyes appear, affecting vision.
Fire smoke consists of thousands of components, including solids (molecules, heavy metals, organic microorganisms, etc.), water vapor and complex mixtures of gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides , ozone etc. It may also contain volatile compounds, microscopic suspended particles, etc. Along with forests, buildings, businesses and infrastructure are also burned, resulting in the smoke containing many other chemicals and toxic compounds.
“It is a fact that many people experience irritation and inflammation in their eyes from fires. It is even more likely to happen to those who already suffer from eye disorders such as dry eyes, blepharitis or allergic conjunctivitis,” notes Dr. Kanellopoulos and adds: “Especially the irritation and inflammation from smoke cause a burning sensation (burning) and “stinging” in the eyes, redness and increased production of tears (lacrimation). Sufferers may also have a sensation of a foreign body in their eyes, dryness and itching.”
In areas with heavy smoke, some may experience changes in their vision (eg, blurring), conjunctival irritation, or – more rarely – severe dry eye that damages the surface of the cornea and affects visual acuity.
In case of extensive exposure to smoke from fires, severe inflammation of the conjunctiva can occur which favors scarring, which can lead to trichosis, in which the eyelashes grow backwards (towards the eyeball), constantly touching and irritating the conjunctiva or the cornea.
When smoke from fires has a high concentration of tiny suspended particles, vision can be reduced because they cause severe eye irritation. These particles can also cause an allergic reaction. Among other things, the smoke from the fires can also cause serious problems for contact lens users, because it can get “trapped” between the lenses and the eyes, causing inflammation and pain.
“The effects of fire smoke on the eyes seem to be temporary, but we do not know if the repeated exposure to smoke, which we have been experiencing in recent years, will have long-term consequences,” says the professor.
Ways of protection
“When there is smoke from a fire in the atmosphere, the first thing to do is to go indoors, with doors and windows closed. If there is air conditioning with a HERA air filter, you can use it to refresh the air at home without the smoke particles.
If someone already has diseases of the ocular surface (eg dry eyes, conjunctivitis) it is recommended not to go outside at all. Artificial tears in any case protect and relieve, and those who already use them may need to increase their application (up to twice as much as usual) until the atmosphere clears of smoke.
If it is necessary to move outdoors, it is advisable to at least wear glasses that cover the face well, in order to at least reduce the flow of air that will enter the eyes.
For those who wear contact lenses, they must strictly observe the rules of hygiene and replacement, while if the presence of smoke in the atmosphere lasts for days, it is advisable to use corrective glasses during this time”, concludes Dr. Kanellopoulos.
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