Protecting your eyes from wildfire smoke
Andre Stanberry at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo on June 9, 2025. (Heather Senoran/CTV News)
As smoke from raging wildfires in northern Ontario and the western provinces continues to billow across Canada, experts are urging residents to keep an eyes out for their ocular health.
Staff at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo said they have seen an increase in the amount of people complaining about eye irritation and the wildfires could be to blame.
Late last week, wildfire smoke covered much of southern Ontario, leading to dangerously high Air Quality Health Index levels.
'Smoke is an irritant and so irritants coming in contact with your eyes can cause inflammation,' said Dr. André Stanberry, clinic director at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo.
People with sensitive eyes may be feel the sting even more.
'[It could] feel like dry eyes, which can be red, gritty, watery eyes,' he said.
To optimize eye health, he said it is best to stay indoors and away from smoky areas. There are also other measures you can take.
'By using air purifiers. By using sunglasses or wraparound glasses that prevent contact on the surface,' Stanberry suggested.
Artificial tears can also bring back moisture to your eyes.
'These are lubricating eye drops that can be placed on the surface of the eyes. They help to flush out the irritants,' he said.
Region of Waterloo Public Health said eye health is not the only thing to watch out for when it is hazy out.
'You can experience a range of health outcomes ranging from feeling fatigue, getting out of breath more easily and just not feeling well,' said Eilish Scallan, from Region of Waterloo Public Health.
The elderly, those who are very young, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women are most at risk.
Smoky Kitchener, Ont. skyline
The Kitchener, Ont. skyline was partially obscured by smoke in this image from June 5, 2025.
How long will hazy conditions last?
According to Environment Canada, things are set to clear up this week.
'The smoke is no longer making its way to the surface, so concentrations of smoke and particulate matter has decreased over the area. Pretty much all of southern Ontario, for that matter,' said Steven Flisfeder, a meteorologist with Environment Canada.
He said people should keep monitoring Air Quality Health Index levels to see if it is safe to be outside for long periods of time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
31 minutes ago
- CBC
Innovative surgery could restore some mobility for paralyzed Ontario teen
This week,16-year-old Henry Black will become one of the youngest Ontarians to ever receive a cutting-edge nerve transfer surgery, potentially restoring some mobility in his hands and arms.
CTV News
40 minutes ago
- CTV News
‘We can't escape it': Wildfire smoke blanketing Calgary
The familiar sight of wildfire smoke blanketing Calgary has returned for another year, raising concerns about air quality and public health. While current smoke levels are deemed moderate for the general public, those who are at risk or have medical conditions should reduce activity. Environment and Climate Change Canada says the agency advises that individuals without pre-existing health conditions, such as shortness of breath or heart and lung issues, can continue outdoor activities. However, those with such conditions are encouraged to consider rescheduling or reducing the intensity and duration of strenuous outdoor activities. The white haze across Calgary has become a persistent reminder of the ongoing wildfire season for Raf Nazareno and his dog. 'I guess we can't escape it now. And it's coming. And let's hope it's not too bad,' he said. 'I feel like July and August is probably going to be really bad this year.' Nazareno, who prefers cooler weather, says he has seen a noticeable increase in haze over the past few days. 'The last couple (of) days, you look to the horizon like the sky is kind of whitish. And then you see that fog. But you know, it's not really fog. It's the smoke that's coming. It's not too bad yet, but it is increasing the last couple of days,' he said. As of Monday, Alberta was battling 66 active wildfires, with significant blazes in the Grand Prairie region, north of Slave Lake and west of Fort McMurray. Beyond provincial boundaries, smoke is also blowing in from northern British Columbia, while fires rage in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Jed Kaplan, a University of Calgary earth, energy and environment professor, confirmed the intensity of the current fire season. 'I'd say the fire season is definitely off to a big start,' he said. He says a warming climate is creating tinder-dry conditions in boreal areas, making them ripe for ignition. Kaplan researches ways to develop better forest management policies to mitigate the impact of destructive blazes. 'A controlled fire can be a way of avoiding some of these really catastrophic and really powerful fires that also send lots of smoke high up in the atmosphere that affects people hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away,' he said. Despite the current moderate air quality, cooler temperatures anticipated this week could offer some relief by helping suppress the smoke. Christy Climenhaga, of Environment and Climate Change Canada, says there is rain in the forecast for the Calgary region. 'We are seeing some pretty decent northwest flow in the province today, which will bring that smoke into southern Alberta,' said Climenhaga. 'We are not expecting air quality advisories or statements at this point to come into southern Alberta.'
CTV News
41 minutes ago
- CTV News
Summer heat brings more challenges for Lethbridge's most vulnerable
An encampment is seen in Lethbridge on Monday, June 9, 2025. While some Lethbridge residents may love the summer sun, the heat can pose problems for the city's most vulnerable. Streets Alive Mission chief operating officer Cameron Kissick says Lethbridge's homeless can suffer from heat stroke and sunburn, or can be plagued by bug bites. Making things harder is the fact many of the city's unhoused residents carry all their possessions with them all throughout the year. It means many will wear multiple layers of clothing even on scorching hot days. 'Homeless people basically wear what they own,' said Bill Ginther, executive director of the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. 'So, you don't see them wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts much. They wear what they have – and that could be year-round – so they're pretty hot.' Organizations around the city are starting to stock up on bottled water to hand out. The Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge's bottled water drive has seen plenty of donations coming from members of the community and businesses. Despite that, officials say even more help is needed. 'As soon as it comes in, it is going out,' said executive director Danielle McIntyre. 'We've got multiple agencies that are helping us with the distribution, and the outreach teams are out there in full force.' The organization is also asking for donations of everything from sunscreen to water bottles. 'Lip balm – ChapStick goes a long way,' said Kissick. 'Aloe vera gels for the cases of sunburn, things like that, and then not just bottles of water, but water bottles – reusable water bottles. The ability to be able to give them something they can refill.' A 2022 Point in Time Count found 454 people in Lethbridge are experiencing homelessness.
