safety
Whose eyes are most at risk during poor air quality? Here’s what Metro Detroit eye doctor says
By Jenny Marchi at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
Canadian wildfires have pushed hazardous air conditions towards Michigan; for those at risk, smoke can be dangerous for eye health.Local 4 spoke with Christopher Sesi, an ophthalmologist at Shanbom Eye Specialist in Berkeley.Wildfire smoke particles can worsen conditions for those predisposed to ...
Key takeaway Local 4 spoke with Christopher Sesi, an ophthalmologist at Shanbom Eye Specialist in Berkeley.
Why this matters in The Detroit
For Metro Detroit residents, particularly those in vulnerable groups, the hazardous air conditions brought on by Canadian wildfires pose a significant threat to eye health. The elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome or blepharitis are most at risk. As Dr. Sesi notes, these individuals should take extra precautions to protect their eyes, including using preservative-free artificial tears and avoiding dirty water sources like hot tubs and lakes. The recommendation to avoid rubbing eyes and instead apply pressure to the surrounding skin is also crucial in preventing further irritation. With Detroit's proximity to the affected areas, it is crucial for residents to be mindful of their eye health and seek medical attention if they experience any worsening of symptoms. By taking these precautions, Metro Detroit residents can help mitigate the risks associated with poor air quality and protect their eye health during this time.
About this story
Original reporting by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Canadian wildfires have pushed hazardous air conditions towards Michigan; for those at risk, smoke can be dangerous for eye health.Local 4 spoke with Christopher Sesi, an ophthalmologist at Shanbom Eye Specialist in Berkeley.Wildfire smoke particles can worsen conditions for those predisposed to ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jenny Marchi at WDIV ClickOnDetroit (NBC) - Local News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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