Fire Weather Eye Safety Tips
Stay Indoors If Possible
Avoiding contaminated environments is the best way to keep your eyes safe. If you are able to leave safely, do so. If not, keep your windows closed, learn how to create a clean room here: https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/create-clean-room-protect-indoor-air-quality-during-wildfire. If you need to go outdoors, or you are a first responder, there are things that you can do to protect your eyes outdoors.
Wear Eye Protection
Wear fitted protective goggles if possible. This is especially recommended for first responders. If googles are not available, skip your contacts and wear glasses instead. If you don’t generally wear glasses or cannot skip your contacts, try to wear your sunglasses outdoors. These will help shield your eyes from any flying particles and ash.
Use of Eyewash and Lid Wipes
Remove any sneaky soot from your eyelids and eyelashes with lid wipes. In a pinch, you can also use contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water or water from a bottle that you’d drank from because there are a LOT of bacteria in your mouth that you do not want on your eyelids.
To further help clean your eyelids use a wipe, spray, or cleanser such as Ocusoft, Optase, Claridex, or similar product.
You can also remove any soot that has settled on your eye with eye wash. If unable to access eye wash, artificial tears such as Refresh, Systane, Oasis, Retaine, or Optase can be used. Simply put several drops in each eye and allow them to roll off your cheek. If not able to access artificial tears,
Use a Cool Compress to Soothe Irritated Eyes
Use a cool compress to soothe irritated or itchy eyes. While a warm compress is helpful when trying to promote good meibomian gland function, a cool compress is helpful when attempting to soothe itchiness and irritation. Use a cool compress instead of rubbing the eye because rubbing leads to increased itchiness.
Lubricate With Artificial Tears
Use plenty of artificial tears to help keep the eyes lubricated. While non-preserved tears are ideal for frequent use, you can use preserved tears up to four times per day. When the eyes are no irritated, consider warm compresses to support good tear flow.
Ideally, use artificial tears after eye wash.
Use Allergy Drops as Needed
Pataday, Zaditor, Alaway, and Lastacaft are available over the counter and can help relieve ocular allergies. Pro tip: put is a few drops of eye wash or lubricating drops to rinse the eye and clean your eyelids with a lid wipe, lid cleanser, or purified water to get rid of allergens prior to applying the drops.
Time Your Drops
If you are using a prescription eye drops you should make sure to time them between lubricating drops for maximum effect. If your eyes feel irritated, use artificial tears at least five minutes before you instill your prescription drop and wait at least five minutes after (10-15 is better). This is to help ensure that your prescription drop is not washed away by the artificial tears.
What to Avoid
Do NOT rub your eyes, this can potentially leads to scratches. If you get something in your eye irrigate with eye wash, artificial tears, or contact lens solution.
Do NOT use drops to ‘get the red out’ like Visine, ClearEyes or Rhoto.
Have a question? Email Dr. Irina at dr.irina.od@optihealtheye.com
