Canada's wildfires continue to blanket parts of its provinces and the United States with a large amount of smoke, prompting Code Purple air quality alerts and warnings for millions of residents to limit outdoor activities. While much of the concern has focused on the effects of poor air quality on the lungs, health experts say the smoke can also significantly affect the eyes, causing irritation, blurred vision, and making it harder to see as the thick haze reduces overall visibility.
The Canadian nation remains in the midst of an active wildfire season, with dozens of fires burning across several provinces. Strong winds have carried dense smoke hundreds of miles from the fires themselves, drifting east, creating hazy skies and unhealthy air conditions in communities far from the source. The air isn't just difficult to breathe; the smoke has reduced visibility for motorists and outdoor workers while exposing people's eyes to microscopic particles that can trigger irritation and temporary vision problems.
