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Q and A with the experts: wildfire smoke gets in your eyes
Banff National Park in 2022. (Schroptschop/Getty Images)
Warnings about air quality are a common occurrence during wildfire season. Dr. André Stanberry, professor and clinic director at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, says our eyes can feel the effects of smoke from wildfires even far away.
Why does smoke irritate our eyes?
The surface of the eye has the highest concentration of nerve endings in the body, making it extremely sensitive to even minor environmental changes. Smoke contains fine particles and various gases that can irritate this delicate surface, leading to discomfort such as burning, redness, or watery eyes. Some individuals may also have allergic reactions to specific components in the smoke, making their eyes itchy as well. Inflammation can disrupt tear production or reduce tear quality, leading to dry-eye symptoms such as burning, a gritty sensation, and excess tearing. People with pre-existing dry eye or ocular allergies may experience more pronounced or prolonged symptoms.
Why would our eyes get irritated from wildfire smoke far away?
Wildfire smoke can travel great distances, and even when it’s not visible, the air may still contain a high concentration of fine particulates and gases. These airborne irritants can trigger symptoms depending on their levels and an individual’s sensitivity, regardless of the fire’s proximity.
How can we protect our eyes from irritation or provide relief?
Responses to smoke exposure can vary, but the first line of defence is avoidance, especially during high-smoke advisories. When outdoors, you can get some protection by wearing wraparound sunglasses, such as the one that fit over your glasses or ones for people with dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops used throughout the day can help flush out irritants and soothe the surface of the eye. For persistent symptoms, an optometrist may prescribe anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Social Innovation and Impact Minor celebrates a transformative first year
Dr. John Abraham, United College's Academic Dean and GreenHouse Director Tania Del Matto.
By Davandra Earle. This article was originally published on the United College website.
“I feel as if I've received a new pair of glasses to view the world around me.”
That’s how one student described their experience in the Social Innovation and Impact Minor, United College’s newest minor program, now completing its first full year.
Launched to support student changemakers eager to tackle pressing societal challenges, the minor has already seen students dive into projects focused on food security, circular systems for plastic production and consumption, and more.
Further reflecting on their journey, the student shared that the most exciting part was gaining both the hard and soft skills needed to turn passion into practical action.
“The course showed me the kind of tools required to move from theory to impact.”
Another student credited the Minor with helping them land a co-op role in inclusive innovation and expressed a strong interest in continuing their path through more coursework and involvement in GreenHouse.
For others, the experience was transformative, deepening their commitment to social change and motivating them to actively contribute to real-world solutions.
According to co-creators GreenHouse Director Tania Del Matto and United College Academic Dean and Associate Professor Dr. John Abraham, the Minor was built to invite students from any faculty at the University of Waterloo to explore how innovative thinking can respond to today’s most urgent social and environmental issues.
“The student commitment and enthusiasm we’ve seen in this first year has affirmed why this Minor matters,” said Dr. Abraham. “It gives students both the inspiration and the practical tools to lead change in the real world.”
Students in the inaugural courses—INNOV 200 and INNOV 201—tackled real-world challenges, explored the theory and practice of innovation, and began charting their paths as impact-driven leaders. With small class sizes and a strong focus on community-based learning, the courses created a space for students to take risks, unlearn perfectionism, and embrace uncertainty—key traits for any changemaker.
Del Matto emphasized that the Minor builds on United’s longstanding commitment to experiential learning and social good.
It's never too early to plan for Peace Week
A message from the Conrad Grebel University College's Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement.
It’s time to plan for Peace Week! Every year from International Day of Peace on September 21 to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement hosts a calendar of events across Waterloo Region that celebrate peace and reconciliation. Community groups are invited to submit events for us to promote. Check out last year’s calendar for ideas!
Link of the day
EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis
When and where
The Campus Wellness Student Medical Clinic offers healthcare visits with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to current undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: vaccinations, immunity testing, naturopathic services and more. Counselling Services offers appointments with counsellors in person as well as via phone and video. Students can book appointments for these services by calling Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096.
The privately-run Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Covid booster shorts are available by appointment only – please call ext. 33784 or 519-746-4500. The Student Health Pharmacy’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Naloxone kits are still available – pick them up in the pharmacy at no charge.
Buckthorn Pull, Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, meet between Village 1 - South 3 Building and the forest.
IBPOC Student Writing Cafés, Tuesday, July 15, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., South Campus Hall (SCH 228F).
Community Wellbeing Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, July 16, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Engineering 7, 1st floor.
In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Life Centre (SLC 3216).
Integrated Accessibility Retreat (CTE7032), Thursday, July 17, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC2036.
WISE Public Lecture, “Integrating Health Co-Benefits Assessment Across the Whole Energy System” by Jonathan Buonocore, Sc.D., Assistant Professor, Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Thursday, July 17, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., In person and on Zoom. Register today!
University of Waterloo Choir end of term concert, Saturday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo. $5 students/$10 general, tickets available at the door.
Quo Vadis: Orchestra@UWaterloo,Sunday, July 20, 7:30 p.m., Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb St. West Waterloo. Free admission.
Brave Space Conversations, A Care-Centered Approach to Navigating Difficult Dialogues Through an EDI-R Lens, Wednesday, July 23, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., online. Register.
NEW -Structure and dynamics of the dopamine and ochratoxin A aptamer complexes, Wednesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m., C2-361 (Reading Room)
The Co-op Workplace Simulation, Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dana Porter Library Learning Lab room 323.
Lunch and learn: Menstruation and Mental Health,Monday, July 14, New date - Thursday, July 24, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
Shad Waterloo 2025 Open Day Exhibits, Thursday, July 24, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University Great Hall.
WIN Distinguished Lecture with Prof. Orlando Rojas | Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, "The Role of Bio-Based Colloids in Gelation Technologies and Green Interfaces," Thursday, July 24, 2:00 p.m., QNC 1501.
Spring Forward, Fall Back: Jazz Ensemble Concert. Sunday, July 27, 2:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Great Hall (room 1111). Free admission.
Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Sunday, July 27, 7:30 p.m. Conrad Grebel University College Chapel. Free admission.
Cycles, Cramps, and Cravings… Oh My! Nutrition for Menstrual Wellness, Tuesday, July 29, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., online.
NEW - Lectures and classes end, Wednesday, July 30.
Buckthorn Pull, Wednesday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, meet between Village 1 - South 3 Building and the forest.
Community Wellbeing Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, July 30, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Engineering 7, 1st floor.
NEW - In-person Grad Writing Cafés, Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., SLC 3216.
NEW - Pre-examination study days, Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1.
NEW - August civic holiday, Monday, August 4, most University operations closed.
NEW - final examination period, Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16.
NEW - University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice 2025 Summer Social, Thursday, August 7, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Grad House. Please let Nadine Quehl know if you’re planning to join.
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
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Psychology, Anthropology, and Sociology (PAS) building southeast corner exterior stair closure, Friday, June 20 to Friday, July 18, exterior stair to the 2nd floor podium/seating area will be closed for the duration of the shutdown, pedestrian access will be directed around the construction activity.
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Modern Languages washroom closure, Saturday, June 21 to Friday, August 1, washrooms ML-112 and ML-118 will be temporarily closed for upgrades, please use the nearest available washrooms located at ML-251 and ML-252.
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MC second floor closure (NE Corner: Loading Dock 2039, Corridor 2078, 2097), Monday, June 23 to July 28 (approximately)
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Needles Hall steam shutdown (addition portion of building only), Wednesday, July 16, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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Carl Pollock Hall, Douglas Wright Engineering, South Campus Hall, Rod Coutts Hall, Grad House fire alarm testing, Wednesday, July 16, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Wednesday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Needles Hall steam shutdown (original portion of building only), Thursday, July 17, 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., there will be a steam shutdown to accommodate meter installation, steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, July 18, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, July 18, 12 noon to 3:00 p.m.
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Engineering 3 room 2174 substation electrical shutdown, Sunday, July 20, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., power will be off to hydraulic pump in 2101C, Heavy Lab Panel in 2121N, The Gia Lab, Press located in room 2136, PP2121 located in room 2121.
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Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Monday, July 21, 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.
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Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Wednesday, July 30, from 1:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown.