Summer is finally here, which means you’re going to be putting away your sweaters, boots and winter cream and replacing them with sunscreen and summer clothing. Summer also means that you’re going to be spending a lot more time outdoors now that there’s no snow. Along with summer skincare, you need to make sure you take care of your eyes too.
Here are some essential eye care tips that are important for summer:
Wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors
Just as going out without sunscreen can give you sunburn, going out on a sunny day without sunglasses can give you photokeratitis — which is sunburn of the cornea. This condition is caused when the cornea is exposed to harmful UV rays of the sun. Symptoms include dryness, discomfort and tearing up. It’s best to wear sunglasses if you’re going to be outdoors more often in the summer.
You need to wear sunglasses even if you are wearing contact lenses
While several contact lens brands are made with UV protection, they only cover the centre of the eye and not the area around the cornea, which means you might still be susceptible to sun damage if you’re wearing contact lenses but are planning on going outdoors. In addition to this, the sun might cause dryness and irritation if you’re wearing contact lenses without sunglasses.
Wear hats to protect your eyes and skin
Sunglasses don’t offer protection from UV light on their own, so minimize your risk with a hat with a brim that is at least 3 inches wide. This mandatory protection can reduce the risk of getting harmful UV radiation on your eyes and will help save you grave eye problems in the long run.
It is important to wear sunglasses and a hat
Long-term sun exposure can cause debilitating eye issues in the long run, like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include not being able to see properly.
Additionally, the skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive and can be prone to skin cancer if you don’t take proper care and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV light. Sunscreen can be very helpful in protecting your skin from sun damage. Wearing sunglasses and a hat can save your eye health in the long run.
Wear goggles if you’re going to take a swim
If you’re planning on spending time in the pool, don’t forget to take your goggles. The pool’s chlorinated water, which also might be full of germs, can be dangerous to your eyes in the long run. On the plus side, goggles will enhance your vision for underwater swimming.
Protect your eyes while doing outdoor activities
Wearing eye protection is not only important to avoid sun exposure. You should also wear eye protection when you’re doing outdoor activities like mowing the lawn or woodwork outside, where there’s a risk of something going into your eye and causing long-term injury. Always make sure to wear protection like glasses, goggles or other protective equipment to shield your eyes and face from potential damage.
Wearing protective eye gear is also a good idea if you’re going to be playing sports like baseball or basketball, where there’s a risk of an eye injury.
Taking a proactive approach to eye care can go a long way in keeping vision problems at bay. If you are looking for an expert for a general eye check-up, call Insight Vision Center to get your eyes tested and treated, if needed.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
