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Research

11 million Australians were exposed to bushfire smoke and hazardous air quality during Black Summer. In a survey of residents exposed to bushfire smoke in the Hunter/New England region of NSW in December 2019, 45% experienced eye irritation and this increased to 60% in those with pre-existing respiratory illness.

Bushfire smoke comprises of hazardous and particulate matter. Exposure to bushfire smoke is known to adversely affect human health including increased respiratory distress and cardiovascular events. In bronchial airways exposed to bushfire smoke, an inflammatory response with increased immune cells such as dendritic cells, eosinophils and neutrophils is observed. Similar to the mucosal surface of lungs, the ocular surface is also constantly exposed to the ambient air. Dendritic cells are naturally found at the ocular surface in the cornea and conjunctiva. Levels of dendritic cells at the ocular surface have been shown to increase in response to an inflammatory stimulus, such as with dry eye disease.

Despite the significant risk to ocular surface and reports of ocular symptoms with exposure to smoke, little research is available on the effect of exposure to smoke on the ocular surface. Furthermore, the potential for increased risk to certain demographics such as those with pre-existing eye disease or respiratory disease and the best preventative and treatment options to halt and manage smoke induced ocular surface changes, respectively, are not known.

This PhD project will determine the impact of bushfire smoke on ocular surface. This includes the ocular signs and symptoms experienced after bushfire smoke exposure, the effect of chronic repeated smoke exposure and the mechanism of action through which ocular surface response occurs.

Biography

Suki Jaiswal completed the Bachelor of Optometry/Vision Science course with Honours in 2013. She has since worked in Canberra, Sydney and regional NSW in corporate practices in full time, part time and locum roles. She completed the Masters of Optometry course in 2020 and is currently pursuing a PhD at School of Optometry and Vision Science. Along with research she is also involved in teaching undergraduate optometry at UNSW, supervising at the UNSW Optometry teaching clinic and leading the Faculty of Medicine’s Candidates for Higher Degree Committee.

Education

Now        PhD Candidate (Ocular surface disease)  |   ����������  |   Due for Submission 2024

2020       Master of Optometry   |   UNSW

               Awarded with Excellence

2013       Bachelor of Optometry Bachelor of Science (Honours)   |   UNSW

               Therapeutically Endorsed