Doctor Warns Haze Could Trigger Eye Inflammation

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Haze from forest and land fires affecting parts of Indonesia poses risks not only to respiratory health but also to the eyes. Prolonged exposure to smoke can cause irritation, inflammation and dry eye.

Prof. dr. Budu, Ph.D., Sp.M(K), M.Med.Ed, chair of the central board of the Indonesian Ophthalmologists Association (PP PERDAMI), said smoke was one environmental factor that could disrupt the surface of the eye. Conditions such as haze, dust, wind and changes in humidity can irritate the eyes, he said, and prolonged irritation increases the risk of inflammation.

“Among various natural conditions, haze, wind, dust and humidity can cause problems and irritation in the eyes. When our eyes are irritated, inflammation can occur more easily,” Budu said at a media briefing for World Sight Day 2026, titled “Don’t Wait for Eye Problems: It’s Time to Care for Eye Health”, on Tuesday (13 October 2026).

Budu explained that inflammation can disrupt the parts of the eye responsible for producing tear fluid and the oily component of the tear film. Both play an important role in keeping the eye moist and protecting its surface. If these functions are impaired, the eyes become more prone to dryness.

“When inflammation occurs, the parts of our eyes that produce tear fluid and oils can be affected, eventually causing dry eye,” he said.

Environmental factors can cause eye problems beyond haze from forest and land fires, Budu said. Dust and conditions that lead to prolonged irritation can also contribute to certain eye diseases.

One condition he mentioned was pterygium, in which membrane-like tissue grows across the surface of the eye. He cited desert regions, where dust exposure is high, as places where prolonged eye irritation can increase the risk of such conditions.

“In countries with deserts and a lot of dust, eye diseases such as pterygium are commonly found,” he said.

Budu stressed that smoke of any kind can potentially affect eye health, whether it comes from household cooking, traffic or forest fires.

“Frankly, all kinds of smoke—whether from kitchens, roads or forest fires—have an impact on eye health,” he said.

He urged the public not to neglect eye health, particularly when air quality deteriorates because of haze. He also emphasised the importance of protecting the environment and air quality as part of efforts to safeguard eye health.

“We should care for our eyes, our environment and our air,” he said.