Haze Eye Irritation: What to Do

Common eye symptoms during periods of haze include:

• Itchy eyes
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Eyelid swelling
• Watery eyes
• Burning or stinging
• Dryness or discomfort
• A gritty or sandy sensation
• Feeling as though there is something in the eye

For most people, these symptoms are temporary and should improve when exposure to haze is reduced. However, for those with existing eye conditions, the haze can trigger flare ups.

“Patients with existing eye problems such as eye allergies, dry eyes and eye inflammation may experience symptoms worsened by the haze if they are exposed to the smog for a prolonged period,” says Professor Louis Tong, Senior Consultant from the Corneal & External Eye Disease Department at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), a member of the SingHealth group.

“It also depends on how well controlled these conditions are, as they can fluctuate due to immune triggers as well.”

You can take the following steps to protect your eyes from the haze: 

1. Limit outdoor activities

When PSI levels are high, stay indoors where possible and reduce prolonged outdoor activities. Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, particularly when haze levels are at an unhealthy range (above 100). 

Check the National Environment Agency (NEA) air quality information when planning for outdoor activities. The 24-hour PSI forecast can help with planning ahead, while the 1-hour PM2.5 reading can provide a more immediate indication of particulate levels. 

2. Use eye drops regularly

Use preservative-free lubricating drops regularly to help relieve mild dryness and irritation by keeping the eye surface moist.

3. Avoid rubbing your eyes

Avoid rubbing your eyes if your eyes feel itchy or irritated. Rubbing can further irritate the surface of your eyes and may also transfer dirt and other particles from your hands to your eyes. 

Instead, use 1 – 2 drops of preservative-free lubricants to soothe the eyes and flush out any potential pollutants on the eye surface. You may also use a cool compress to soothe the irritation on your eyes.

4. Maintain proper eyelid and general hygiene

Haze can aggravate eyelid conditions, such as blepharitis which is an inflammation of the eyelid and meibomian gland dysfunction, caused by blockage of the oil glands on the eyelid which can lead to styes and chalazions. 

Maintaining proper lid hygiene is essential during hazy conditions to prevent flare ups.

Practice habits such as:

• Using over-the-counter lid wipe or gentle eyelid cleansing solution to regularly clean your eyelids,
• Avoiding putting makeup near your waterline and
• Washing your hands before touching your eyes

Frequent washing of face and hair are just as important. When the haze settles on our brow and hair, the dust can slowly migrate to the eyes. 

5. Wear spectacles instead of contact lenses

If your eyes become dry, red or uncomfortable, consider taking a break from wearing contact lenses and switch to wearing spectacles instead. This can reduce further irritation while your eyes recover from the haze. 

Contact lens wearers should also continue to follow good contact lens hygiene, including washing and drying their hands before handling lenses and following the recommended replacement schedule. 

6. Keep indoor air clean

Keep your doors and windows closed, especially when haze levels are high to help reduce the amount of outdoor air and particles entering your home. 

For those with existing eye conditions or sensitive eyes, you may also consider using an air purifier fitted with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to help remove fine particles from indoor air. 

7. Wear protective eyewear outdoors

When outdoors, wearing spectacles or sunglasses can help provide some physical protection from wind and prevent airborne particles from entering the eyes. Larger or close-fitting eyewear may offer greater coverage of the eye surface. 

However, such eyewear will not completely prevent exposure of your eyes to haze. It should be used together with other preventative measures to protect your eyes from exposure. 

8. Take frequent eye breaks

During the haze, it is advisable to monitor and reduce activities that may further strain or dry the eyes, such as prolonged screen use and near work.

Take regular breaks and consciously blink more frequently, especially when using digital devices to prevent dry eyes.

Symptoms such as mild redness, watering or irritation of the eyes that occur during haze are usually temporary and will ease or fade away after the air clears. 

However, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent eye pain, not just irritation
• Blurred or reduced vision
• Sensitivity to light
• A thick or coloured discharge
• Swelling around the eye, such as growing or painful lump on the eyelid
• Symptoms that do not improve after exposure to haze is reduced

For those with existing eye conditions such as allergies, seek help if your eye condition flares up.

Early treatment with topical antihistamines and steroid drops can prevent it from becoming worse.

1. How long does haze eye irritation last?

Symptoms of eye irritation from the haze are usually temporary and should improve when exposure to it is reduced.

2. Can haze cause an eye infections?

There is no direct link between haze particles and eye infections. The haze mainly causes irritation to the surface of the eye. However, those with existing eye problems such as eye allergies, dry eyes and eye inflammation may experience worsening symptoms worsened if they are exposed to the haze for a prolonged period. Seek medical help early for treatment if your eye condition flares up.

3. Does wearing contact lenses worsen haze eye irritation?

Yes, wearing contact lenses during the haze can worsen eye irritation as it can trap fine haze particles against the eye. It also worsens dry eyes so wear spectacles instead.

Ref: F26

Related articles:
Haze in Singapore: How to Stay Safe

How to Protect Children and Babies from the Haze