The wildfire smoke, such as what is coming over from Canada, contains something called particulate matter. These are tiny solid and liquid droplets that hang in the air and they can pose health risks for people exposed.
We recommend that you stay indoors when possible. Many of the short-term effects include headaches, watery eyes, difficulty breathing and a scratchy throat. Burning, stinging, teary and red eyes hallmark irritated eyes. Particulate matter from wildfire smoke may also cause allergic reactions in your eyes and on your skin.
It is imperative that you stay hydrated and rinse your eyes if you start experiencing irritated eyes. Do not rub your eyes. It is always best practice to flush your eyes out with eye wash, artificial tears, or cold water so you don’t unintentionally cause a corneal abrasion.
If the smoke is bad enough, it can cause some people to have temporary vision changes. Irritation of the conjunctiva – the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids — can cause blurriness. In addition, those who already suffer with moderate to severe dry eye can even experience damage to the surface cells of the cornea because they do not have the natural protective tear film that healthy eyes have.
Protect yourself by wearing a mask, glasses, or sunglasses and limit your time outside during air quality concerns. If you do happen to notice visual changes, please call your eye doctor and rinse your eyes routinely until your contition improves or you can get in to see your eye doctor.
Bond Eye Associates is accepting new patients in both of their locations: Peoria and Pekin, IL. Please call Bond Eye Associates to schedule your yearly health vision exam with confidence knowing that they have been a trusted, locally owned, medical practice for over 40 years at 1-800-243-2020 or click here to request an appointment.
