Protecting your eyes from wildfire smoke

CTV’s Heather Senoran has tips to prevent eye irritation as smoke continues to billow across Ontario.

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.

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.