Eye Care Tips for Summer
Summer brings both leisure and chores into full swing – schools close, vacations are on the horizon, the pool beckons, social events fill the weekends, and tending to the garden becomes a regular duty. Amidst the summer fun, it is essential to prioritize eye care.
The summer season presents various hazards to your eye health and sight. The mix of sunlight, water, and outdoor activities can all impact your eyes. You could experience itchy, red, or sore eyes due to seasonal allergens or suffer from burning, redness, or a gritty sensation in your eyes after swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean. In addition, air conditioning and fans can lead to dry eyes.
Before diving into your next summer activity, consider these tips to safeguard your eyesight and ensure a summer of good vision and comfort.
Wear Polarized-UV-Protective Sunglasses
An essential protective measure is to wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. Sunglasses shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly the UV rays reflected by water and sand. Extended exposure to UV rays can result in severe eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye). It may even increase the risk of skin cancer around the eyes. When selecting sunglasses, opt for those that offer complete UV-blocking capabilities, including UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Choose sunglasses that fit well and have a design that covers a larger portion of your face for enhanced protection. Wise Eyes Optical offers a wide range of styles that are sure to elevate your wardrobe and match your unique flair, featuring modern designs that seamlessly combine fashion and utility. Achieve a stylish look and clear vision with distortion-free clarity and UV protection with the perfect lenses that will keep your eyes healthy and happy all summer long.
Enhance your protection with Hats and Visors
Pair your sunglasses with a wide-brimmed hat or visor for additional protection against the sun’s rays. This added defense not only protects your eyes from direct sunlight but also reduces glare, potentially preventing eye strain.
Protect Your Eyes in the Water
When participating in water activities like swimming, water skiing, or visiting water parks, be cautious of the chemicals used in pools that can lead to eye irritation and redness. It is a good idea to wear protective water goggles to shield your eyes not only from chemicals but also from bacteria and other microorganisms that could cause infections like conjunctivitis.
To prevent infections from pool, lake, or river bacteria and microorganisms, it is crucial to remove contact lenses. If you require corrective lenses, consider using prescription goggles, or opt for daily disposables and discard them immediately after swimming.
Pay attention to the cleanliness of natural water sources like lakes and rivers. Avoid swimming in areas where the water appears murky or polluted, as such waters may contain dangerous pathogens that can result in eye infections.
Apply Sunscreen Carefully
When applying sunscreen, use caution around your eyes. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. Select a formula that is less prone to dripping into your eyes, especially when sweating or swimming. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are mineral-based, are often recommended. When applying spray sunscreen on a child, have them shield their eyes with their hands. With lotion sunscreens, apply gently around the eyes without getting too close, relying on sunglasses and a hat for eye and eyelid protection. In case sunscreen enters your eyes, flush them immediately with clean water. If you wear contact lenses, remove the lenses before rinsing.
Protect Your Eyes from Sand and Debris
While at the beach, sand and other debris may enter your eyes, leading to irritation or potential injury. Sunglasses can act as a shield against windblown sand. If sand does get into your eyes, rinse them gently with clean water and avoid rubbing.
Safeguard Your Eyes During Outdoor Tasks
Eye injuries are common during summer due to increased yard work and DIY projects. However, wearing wrap-around protective eyewear or goggles can reduce the risk of eye injury by 90%. Before starting any outdoor work, clear away overhanging branches, fallen debris, sticks, and pinecones, and check for loose gravel, sand, or other items that could become projectiles and harm your eyes.
Keep Your Eyes Moisturized
The summer’s heat often leads to eye irritation. Dry eye, a condition where the eyes’ tear film evaporates due to heat, wind, or direct air conditioning, can make your eyes feel scratchy, itchy, and uncomfortable. If you have allergies or wear contact lenses, you may have a higher chance of experiencing dry eyes. Artificial tears can provide relief. During your next comprehensive eye exam, the professionals at Wise Eyes Optical can recommend the best type of eye drops for your lifestyle and needs.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial not only for your body but for your eyes as well. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day is important to maintain the moisture and health of your eyes. Proper hydration helps keep your eyes moist, even during exposure to sun and wind in outdoor activities. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes and discomfort.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Resisting the urge to scratch your eyes when summer allergens are at their peak can be challenging. Eyes may also become irritated after swimming, prompting the natural response to rub them. However, this action releases histamines, leading to more inflammation and itching. In addition, if your hands aren’t clean, you risk introducing bacteria that can cause eye infections. Instead, rinse your eyes with fresh water and use lubricating eye drops if needed. If you are having difficulty with eye irritation due to allergies, the professionals at Wise Eyes Optical are here to offer guidance. We’re eager to assist you in making the most of this beautiful time of year. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Maintaining your eye health is crucial, so ensure you schedule regular eye exams, even during the busy summer months. Regular check-ups allow your optometrist to detect any vision changes or issues early on, ensuring more effective treatment. If you notice persistent eye irritation, redness, or vision changes, seek advice from your eye care professional promptly. The professional staff at Wise Eyes Optical work closely with our patients to help them stay on top of their eye health. Schedule your next eye exam today by calling us at (717) 242-1915.
Summer fun is waiting, so put on your sunglasses and protect those lovely eyes to stay in perfect summer form! Remember, healthy eyes contribute significantly to overall well-being, so take care of them as you enjoy this sunny season!
Contact Wise Eyes Optical
Your Hometown Vision Center Serving Central Pennsylvania
Your trusted hometown vision center, Wise Eyes Optical, is dedicated to enhancing your vision for a lifetime. Our services include expert eye and vision care, personalized eyeglasses and contact lens fittings, eyeglass repairs, and more. If you have questions or would like to learn more, reach out to your nearest Central Pennsylvania Wise Eyes Optical office. For assistance, call (717) 242-1915.
