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Iowans could see more ‘dry eye syndrome’ due to Canadian wildfire smoke

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July 21st, 2023 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – The D-N-R says Iowa’s air quality is good today (Friday), but we’ve had several bouts with very unhealthy air in recent days, weeks and months, 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.

Awad says it can be treated with a warm compress to the eyelid, topical lubricants and anti-inflammatory medicines.