Summer means spending more time outdoors. However, as much as we look forward to the sunny season, it’s not always kind on our eyes.
It’s very important to know how to care for your eyes during summer to ensure you enjoy all the fun and refreshing activities with clear vision and healthy eyes. Keep reading to learn more about five tips to follow for summer eye safety!
1. Ensure Your Prescription is Updated
Start summer off right by making make sure your prescription is up-to-date. That way, you’ll be able to take in all that beautiful summer scenery without missing out on anything.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Just as you apply sunscreen to protect your skin, it’s equally important to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing quality sunglasses outdoors ensures your eyes are shielded from the sun, which reduces your risk of certain eye conditions.
Remember, not all sunglasses are equal. Invest in high-quality sunglasses that block ninety-nine to one hundred percent of UVA and UVB rays.
Also, wear a hat in addition to your sunglasses every time you step outside. Many sunglasses have gaps on the sides where UV exposure happens.
By combining sunglasses with wide-brimmed hats, you’ll prevent sun rays from penetrating your eyes through the sides.
3. Swim Safe
It’s hard to resist taking a dip during a hot summer day. But before you plunge into the water, remove your contact lenses and wear swimming goggles.
Water bodies like oceans, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools can be contaminated with microorganisms, including bacteria. So if you wear contacts while swimming, these organisms can easily get underneath your contact lenses and cause a serious eye infection.
The chlorine and salt in the water can also lead to severe eye irritation.
Taking out your contacts and wearing water-tight swimming goggles considerably reduces the risk of eye irritation and infection.
4. Use Artificial Tears
When you’re outdoors, the wind and heat can affect your tear film, drying out your eyes. Dry eyes cause many unpleasant symptoms, such as eye redness, sandy feeling, sensitivity to light, and blurred or double vision.
If your eyes are feeling dry, use artificial tears to keep them moist and alleviate your symptoms. Artificial tears are available as eye drops and can be bought over the counter.
5. Stay Hydrated
You’re more likely to become dehydrated during summer, especially if you spend too much time outdoors or sitting near the air conditioner. Dehydration makes it harder for your eyes to produce tears, causing dry eye symptoms.
Therefore, make sure you drink the suggested six to eight glasses of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and dry eyes.
Get Your Eye Exams this Summer
Regular eye exams at VisionFirst Eye Center will go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy and catching any vision problems early on when treatment is most effective.
Have you had your routine eye examinations yet? Schedule an appointment at VisionFirst Eye Center in Trussville, AL, today to guarantee the best protection for eyes and vision this summer and all year round!
