Impact of bushfire smoke on the ocular surface | Natural Hazards Research Australia

Impact of bushfire smoke on the ocular surface

Project type

Postgraduate research

Project status

In progress

This project aims to increase the understanding of how bushfire smoke affects the ocular surface of the eye, the interface between the functioning eye and the environment. It will determine what symptoms occur with exposure to bushfire smoke to understand the consequences of repeated exposure to bushfire smoke for frontline emergency workers. 

Project details

The findings of this project will guide future eyecare of people exposed to bushfire smoke including targeted diagnostic tests to determine impact of smoke exposure, identification of those with greater risk of eye disease from smoke exposure and adequate therapeutic management of smoke-induced ocular surface diseases. Furthermore, this project will determine how the eyes of emergency services personnel chronically exposed to large amounts of smoke are affected and practical strategies to prevent ocular symptoms and protect eye surface.