Singapore Haze & Eye Irritation: What Helps?

If your eyes feel dry, gritty, itchy or unusually watery during Singapore's haze, smoky air may be contributing to the discomfort. Fine particles and other irritants can affect the surface of the eyes, while existing dry-eye symptoms may become more noticeable.

During the October 2026 haze episode, the National Environment Agency (NEA) forecast Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy air quality for 18 October. Conditions can change through the day, so it is important to check the latest readings rather than rely on an earlier forecast. Just as importantly, not every red or uncomfortable eye is caused by haze.

Why can haze make your eyes feel dry or irritated?

The front surface of your eyes is covered by a thin layer of tears that helps keep them comfortable and protects them from everyday environmental exposure. Smoke, airborne particles and other irritants may disturb this delicate surface, leading to symptoms such as:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• Grittiness or a feeling that something is in the eye
• Redness or itchiness
• Excessive watering
• Fluctuating vision, especially after prolonged screen use

Watery eyes do not necessarily mean your eyes are adequately lubricated. Sometimes, irritation or an unstable tear film can trigger reflex tearing while the eyes still feel dry.

People who already experience dry eyes, wear contact lenses or spend long hours in air-conditioned environments may notice more discomfort. However, temporary irritation during a haze episode does not by itself mean you have developed chronic dry-eye disease.

Check the haze readings before planning outdoor activities

Singapore uses two air-quality measures that serve different purposes:

• 1-hour PM2.5 readings: useful for deciding on immediate outdoor activities, such as going for a walk or exercising in the next hour.
• 24-hour PSI forecast: useful for planning activities further ahead and following the relevant health advisory.

The appropriate precautions depend on current readings, your health and how long you expect to be outdoors. Follow NEA's advice, particularly for children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions. You can check the latest information at NEA's official haze portal.

Six practical ways to keep your eyes more comfortable during haze

1. Reduce unnecessary exposure. Where practical, shorten outdoor activities when air quality is poor and follow the official health advisory for your circumstances.
2. Manage indoor air. When the outdoor haze worsens, close doors and windows to limit particles entering your home. Reopen them when air quality improves. Wet-wiping surfaces can help remove settled dust without stirring it up.
3. Consider suitable lubricating eye drops. Artificial tears may relieve mild dryness or grittiness. Ask an optometrist or pharmacist which formulation is appropriate, especially if you use them frequently or wear contact lenses. Avoid self-medicating with steroid or antibiotic eye drops.
4. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing can worsen irritation. Wash your hands before touching your eyelids or handling contact lenses.
5. Take screen breaks and blink fully. Prolonged screen use can worsen dry-eye symptoms. Look away regularly and avoid directing an air-conditioning vent or fan straight at your face.
6. Give uncomfortable eyes a break from contact lenses. Wear your spectacles instead if your lenses become uncomfortable. Do not continue wearing lenses through redness, pain or blurred vision.

These steps may ease mild symptoms, but they cannot replace an eye assessment when discomfort persists or warning signs develop.

What should contact lens wearers do during the haze?

Contact lenses sit on the tear film, so dryness or irritation can make lens wear less comfortable. That does not mean every contact lens wearer must stop using lenses whenever it is hazy. Pay attention to how your eyes feel and avoid pushing through discomfort.

If your eyes become red or irritated, remove your lenses and switch to spectacles. Follow your practitioner's prescribed cleaning and replacement schedule, and never use tap water to rinse or store contact lenses. If a lens wearer develops a red, painful eye, light sensitivity or reduced vision, seek prompt medical assessment rather than assuming it is ordinary haze irritation.

For people who experience recurring discomfort, an assessment may help determine whether contact lens-related dryness or another eye-surface issue is contributing.

Is it haze irritation, dry eyes or an eye allergy?

These conditions can feel similar, but they are not identical. Dry-eye symptoms often include grittiness, burning and fluctuating comfort. Allergy frequently causes prominent itching and watering. An infection or another eye problem may cause redness, discharge, pain or changes in vision. Symptoms can overlap, so the pattern alone is not enough to confirm the cause.

Do not assume that persistent redness is simply due to poor air quality. Seek an eye examination if your symptoms keep returning, do not improve after reducing exposure, or interfere with work, study or contact lens wear.

When should you seek medical attention?

Seek urgent medical care if you have significant eye pain, marked sensitivity to light, reduced or suddenly blurred vision, or a red and painful eye while wearing contact lenses. A painful red eye or a change in vision should not be managed as routine haze-related dryness. Eye symptoms accompanied by a serious injury or chemical exposure also require urgent medical attention.

For milder symptoms that persist despite sensible self-care, a comprehensive eye assessment can help identify whether dryness, eyelid problems, allergies or another concern may be involved.

How EMME Visioncare can help

At EMME Visioncare, our optometrists provide dry-eye assessment and management, including review of symptoms, eye-surface health and relevant contact lens habits. Depending on the findings, management may involve suitable lubricating drops, eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, adjustments to contact lens wear, monitoring or referral when further medical care is needed.

If your eyes remain uncomfortable after the haze clears, or if similar symptoms recur in air-conditioned environments, it may be worth finding out what is contributing to them. You can arrange a dry-eye assessment at EMME Visioncare at The Cathay or Jelita Mall.

References and further reading

1. National Environment Agency. Haze Situation Update (17 October 2026).
2. Ministry of Health Singapore. Haze: health information and advisories.
3. HealthHub Singapore. How to Protect Yourself Against the Haze.
4. National Eye Institute. Dry Eye.
5. HealthHub Singapore. Consumer Advice: Contact Lenses and Eye Care.
6. Ministry of Health Singapore. Sore Eyes.