Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
After a long winter, it's easy to lose yourself to the warmth and bliss of summertime sunshine. That said, it’s important to not let excitement cloud our judgment and leave our bodies defenseless against the sun. While most know of the deleterious effects of the sun on our skin, not as many are aware of the dangers UV rays also present to our eyes. To keep you safe, we’ve put together a list of do's-and-don'ts to help protect your eyes this summer.
Sunglasses
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your eyes is to wear sunglasses! Surprisingly, our eyes can become sunburned just like our skin, so to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, pick a pair of sunglasses that not only look great but are also labeled “100% UV protection.” The too much exposure to UV light can lead to several eye conditions such as:
- Cataracts
- Eye cancer
- Eye growths
- Photokeratitis
For maximum protection, you might want to pair a large hat with your sunglasses. In addition to the right accessories, be sure to never look directly at the sun, even on cloudy days.
Stay Hydrated
During the summer months, it is extremely easy for your body to become dehydrated, which can harm your eyes. When your eyes do not have enough water, they cannot be properly lubricated which can lead to dry eye, eye strain, and vision problems. Therefore, remember to drink plenty of water. If you feel proper hydration is a problem for you, you can always find fun ways to remind yourself to drink water. Some people set reminders on their phones, while others like to set goals right on their bottles next to the measurement marks. In addition to drinking water, if you feel any dryness in your eyes you can also use eye drops to alleviate and lubricate your eyes.
Eye Protection While Swimming
If you’re properly enjoying your summer, you will most likely find yourself at the beach or by the pool. On these occasions, make sure to wear goggles while underwater. Chlorine in pools and salt in the ocean or other natural bodies of water can cause irritation and dryness in your eyes. If you wear contacts, it's best to take them out before swimming, even if you’re wearing goggles, since bacteria and other harmful pathogens can get caught in the lens.
Stay Connected
As long as you remember to protect and care for your eyes, time outdoors during the summer can be extremely rejuvenating and great for your health. However, if you notice you are taking all these precautions, but are having trouble with your eyesight or feeling dryness/discomfort, do not hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.