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Protecting Your Eyes from Post-Wildfire Debris and Exposures: Expert Advice
Wildfire ash and windblown debris can cause irritation, discomfort, and potentially harmful impacts on the eyes. As waste removal and reconstruction in the burn areas begin, potential toxic microparticles can become airborne. Burn debris can contain heavy metals, microplastics, and other toxins from manmade materials. Furthermore, with recent rainfall in the area, residual ash can contaminate water runoff. Understanding the risks to your ocular health is important for taking steps to prevent damage to your eyes.
The primary risk to eye health is ash or toxic dust potentially landing in the eye or tear film, which could cause an abrasion on the surface of the eye or a corrosive injury. A gritty, sandy sensation, eye irritation, eye redness and blurred vision could all be symptoms of potential eye injury.
Protective Measures
- Limit outdoor exposure – Stay indoors when air quality is poor and winds are strong.
- Wear protective eyewear – Consider wearing safety glasses or wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from windblown ash and dust while outdoors.
- Use artificial tears – Use preservative-free artificial tears every few hours while outdoors to flush out any potential toxins. If any debris enters your eye, rinse it out as quickly as possible with clean water.
- Avoid water runoff – Limit ocean swimming or surfing and wear goggles if submerging underwater due to potential contaminants.
Long-term exposure to airborne pollutants, including particulate matter from wildfire debris, remains of concern. If you live adjacent to or near a burn area, reduce contact with hazardous material and wear protective gear.
If you experience persistent eye irritation, redness, or vision change, our ophthalmologists and optometrists are here to help you at one of our UCLA Ophthalmology clinics in Westwood, Santa Monica, Calabasas and Pasadena.
Amanda J. Lu, MD
Health Sciences Clinical Assistant Professor
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
UCLA Stein Eye Institute
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