For many people living in Alberta, wildfires aren’t just a thing on the news. They’re a very real possibility that can have a significant impact on their lives. If you’ve ever been around a fire and noticed those stinging, burning sensations in the eyes, you may have found yourself wondering: how can you protect your eyes during wildfire season?
It all starts with prevention. Wear sunglasses or safety goggles if you’re ever near significant amounts of smoke. Try to stay indoors whenever possible, and avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs. If you’re dealing with irritating sensations, make sure you’re regularly washing your eyes or using cold compresses to find relief.
Why Wildfire Smoke Irritates the Eyes
If you’ve ever stood near a campfire and noticed that your eyes immediately start watering, you were dealing with smoke irritation. It’s a common problem that develops due to the makeup of the smoke itself.
Smoke—especially wildfire smoke—contains a complicated mix of gases, fine particles, and debris. When these components come into contact with the human eye, these tiny particles can quickly set off a chain reaction, inflaming and irritating the area.
The Signs of Smoke Irritation
With smoke irritation, you’ll likely notice:
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Itchiness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
If you’re near a fire and recognize these symptoms, you’re probably dealing with smoke irritation. This is about more than temporary discomfort, though! This irritation can have long-lasting effects on your vision and can even scratch the surface of the eye. This is why it’s so important to learn how to protect your eyes from wildfire smoke.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Wildfire Smoke
During wildfire season, it’s essential to be proactive. Don’t wait for symptoms to start; instead, try to take active measures to properly protect your eyes from irritants.
Try to:
- Stay indoors wherever possible
- Use an air purifier to filter smoke particles from your home
- Wear sunglasses or safety goggles when outside to shield your eyes
- Use eye drops as necessary to find relief from irritation
- Stay hydrated to maintain a healthy tear film
Make sure that you avoid rubbing your eyes at all costs. If there are any particles trapped in your tear film, rubbing can lead to corneal scratches or damage. It’s not worth risking your vision; instead, wash your eyes with cool water if you’re ever dealing with smoke irritation.
Eye Safety Tips for Wildfire Season
When faced with wildfire smoke, implementing a few simple eye safety tips can make a big difference. Start by keeping a close watch on local air quality reports. These updates can help you make informed decisions about whether it’s safe to venture outside. For residents of Alberta, you can visit the “Wildfire Status” website to receive real-time updates on nearby fires.
It also helps to invest in a high-quality pair of safety goggles specifically designed to protect your eyes from fine particles. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses when there’s too much smoke in the air—contact lenses can trap irritants in your eyes and increase the risk of long-term vision damage.
If you’re using an air filter in your home, make sure to regularly replace the filter; this helps remove pollutants and can help them run more efficiently.
Staying Safe During Wildfires
It’s important to remember that wildfires are unpredictable and highly dangerous—and your eyes aren’t the only thing that can be put at risk. While protecting your eyes is crucial, it’s also essential to consider your overall safety during wildfire season.
Here are some general tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:
- Stay Informed: Keep on top of emergency alerts and evacuation notices through local news, weather apps, or government websites.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Make sure every member of your household knows escape routes, planned meeting locations, and contact numbers.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Maintain Good Air Quality Indoors: Use HEPA air filters and keep windows and doors closed. If possible, create a ‘clean room’ in your home with an air purifier.
- Follow Evacuation Orders: If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Your safety is the priority.
Remember—your safety is always paramount. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and stay aware. This way, you’re not just safeguarding your eyes; you’re keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
Protecting Your Vision
Your vision is invaluable, and taking steps to protect it during wildfire season is crucial. If you have any questions or are looking for advice on protecting your eyes, contact our team at The Eye Care Centre. We’re here to help you stay safe, so book an appointment with us today!
