Iowans could see more ‘dry eye syndrome’ due to Canadian wildfire smoke
Smoke from distant wildfires gives the Iowa sunrise a different look (Radio Iowa photo)
DES MOINES — Iowa has had several bouts this spring and summer with very unhealthy air due to the wildfire smoke wafting in from Canada. Now, an ophthalmologist says all of that smoke could be leading to more cases of dry eye syndrome.
Doctor Omar Awad says the condition is often worse in the winter, but not this year. He says, “Dry eye syndrome is kind of a constellation of symptoms that affects the surface of the eye that typically causes dryness, blurred vision, irritation, scratchiness.”
Awad says it can be treated with a warm compress to the eyelid, topical lubricants and anti-inflammatory medicines.
