Summer is around the corner that means vacations, pool and lake days, and lots of sun! It’s a great time of year, but it can be tough on your eyes, so it’s important to protect them from the effects of the sun.
Before you head outdoors, here are a few tips to help you avoid damaging your eyes this summer.
Before you head outdoors, here are a few tips to help you avoid damaging your eyes this summer.
Wear sunglasses and a hat
One of the easiest ways to protect your eyes and the delicate surrounding areas is by putting on something that can physically shield them from the sun. That means a hat and sunglasses!
Sunglasses are vital for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When choosing a new pair of sunglasses, make sure they block out 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses can also help reduce glare and provide better visual clarity, especially around water. It’s important to note that darker lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. Instead, look for quality sunglasses that fit properly, are comfortable enough to wear all the time, and that block out UV rays effectively.
Combining sunglasses with a hat ensures you the most optimal protection. Hats will not only protect your eyes from the overhead sun, but will also shield you from glare off of water.
Sunglasses are vital for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When choosing a new pair of sunglasses, make sure they block out 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses can also help reduce glare and provide better visual clarity, especially around water. It’s important to note that darker lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. Instead, look for quality sunglasses that fit properly, are comfortable enough to wear all the time, and that block out UV rays effectively.
Combining sunglasses with a hat ensures you the most optimal protection. Hats will not only protect your eyes from the overhead sun, but will also shield you from glare off of water.
Avoid peak hours
The sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you can, avoid being out in the sun during these hours. If you must be outside when the sun is at its strongest, it’s a good idea to regularly assess how your eyes feel. Over-exposure can lead to sunburn on your eyes, which can be painful. Sun exposure can also lead to the development of cataracts and other vision problems.
If you’re spending extended periods of time in the sun or on the water, take breaks to rest your eyes to prevent eye strain and fatigue, as well as reduce the risk of developing dry eyes.You should be especially careful if you have lighter coloured eyes. And always make sure your sunglasses are handy!
If you’re spending extended periods of time in the sun or on the water, take breaks to rest your eyes to prevent eye strain and fatigue, as well as reduce the risk of developing dry eyes.You should be especially careful if you have lighter coloured eyes. And always make sure your sunglasses are handy!
Keep your eyes well hydrated
When your eyes are dry, they’re more likely to burn and become damaged. Make sure you stay hydrated while you’re out in the sun. You might also want to consider using hydrating eye drops after a long day outside. If you feel persistent dry eye symptoms during the summer months, ask us about other dry eye treatments we offer. You may have an underlying condition that contributes to your dry eye symptoms that can be diagnosed and treated.
Avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes
Sun isn’t the only thing that can irritate your eyes in the summer. So can the chemicals in sunscreen, especially if they are already feeling the burn from harsh UV rays. Natural tear production can help flush out any irritants.
Don’t use spray sunscreen on your face as it can easily get into your eyes while applying it. Instead, use a mineral-based sunscreen that can lessen eye irritation and will be less likely to run into your eyes when getting in and out of the water.
Don’t use spray sunscreen on your face as it can easily get into your eyes while applying it. Instead, use a mineral-based sunscreen that can lessen eye irritation and will be less likely to run into your eyes when getting in and out of the water.
Use waterproof eyewear
If you do a lot of swimming in the summer, you might also find that the water can be irritating to your eyes. Chemicals like chlorine, bacteria in freshwater lakes, and even salt in saltwater can all cause irritation.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid having fun in the water, but you should be mindful of keeping water out of your eyes. Wear waterproof eyewear like goggles or a mask that can help prevent eye problems and infections caused by exposure to irritants.
If you can’t wear goggles, there are other ways you can avoid getting water in your eyes. Wicking water out of your eyebrows and eyelashes can keep it from dribbling down into your eyes. Try not to rub your eyes after being in water, as this can shove water deeper into your eyes.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid having fun in the water, but you should be mindful of keeping water out of your eyes. Wear waterproof eyewear like goggles or a mask that can help prevent eye problems and infections caused by exposure to irritants.
If you can’t wear goggles, there are other ways you can avoid getting water in your eyes. Wicking water out of your eyebrows and eyelashes can keep it from dribbling down into your eyes. Try not to rub your eyes after being in water, as this can shove water deeper into your eyes.
Regularly visit an optometrist
If you experience persistent eye irritation or discomfort after sun exposure, swimming, or sunscreen use, it’s important to give us a call or book an appointment. Our team can help you determine if any treatment is required and assess if your eyes have suffered any damage.
Summer is a fun and exciting time, but it can also be harsh on sensitive eyes. Be sure you and your family are using adequate protection like sunglasses, and take care to prevent irritants from entering your eyes. And of course, if you ever have any concerns about your eye health or vision, just give us a call at Lethbridge Vision Care. Our team of optometrists is always ready to help you see your best, no matter the time of year!
Summer is a fun and exciting time, but it can also be harsh on sensitive eyes. Be sure you and your family are using adequate protection like sunglasses, and take care to prevent irritants from entering your eyes. And of course, if you ever have any concerns about your eye health or vision, just give us a call at Lethbridge Vision Care. Our team of optometrists is always ready to help you see your best, no matter the time of year!
