by As the sun hits its intense rays during the summer months, the scorching heat and allure of the outdoors invite people to engage in various activities such as swimming, hiking, and picnicking. However, as you enjoy the sun and fresh air, it’s important to remember that spending more time outdoors during the summer months can be hard on your eyes. Prolonged exposure to sun, sand, and water can cause eye discomfort such as redness, itching, and fatigue. So to help you understand how to protect your eyes, here are some helpful tips.
Tips to protect your eyes in summer
Here are some tips to protect your eyes from the dangers of summer.
1. Stay safe in the sun
Summer presents a formidable adversary to your eye health, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can have harmful effects on your eyes. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation is linked to the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, which can cause significant long-term eye damage. The key to protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is to invest in high-quality sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection. In addition, sunglasses with tinted lenses can mitigate glare emanating from reflective surfaces, making it easier to see and reducing eye strain. Also, stay hydrated because dehydration can affect your eyes.
2. Tips to protect eyes from sand
Participating in outdoor activities, such as trips to the beach, can pose a potential threat to your eyesight. Of particular concern is the presence of sand, which can be a significant eye hazard. The abrasive nature of the grit particles can cause injury at the surface level, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and potentially serious corneal abrasions or infections. Consequently, the use of protective eyewear, such as goggles or wraparound sunglasses, is paramount to prevent sand from getting into the eyes. In addition, you can also use eye drops to eliminate pain and dryness.
3. Ways to keep your eyes safe in the water
Water activities, including swimming, bring a distinctive set of concerns to your vision. Chlorine, a commonly used disinfectant in swimming pools, can cause irritation and inflammation in the eyes, manifesting as redness and discomfort. Similarly, salty seawater can have a similar deleterious impact, potentially exacerbating dry eyes. To protect your eyes during water activities, the use of swimming goggles is imperative. These specialized glasses not only protect against the aforementioned irritants and infections, but also provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Also, always use lubricating eye drops before and after swimming. Helps reduce irritation.
Other essential tips to keep your eyes safe in summer
In addition to wearing sunglasses and goggles, there are additional steps you can take to protect your eyes during the summer season. Refraining from prolonged exposure to the sun during its peak hours, for example, can mitigate the potential for UV radiation exposure, which can have a negative impact on the eyes. Staying hydrated is also beneficial for eye health. Additionally, practicing good eye hygiene, such as refraining from touching or rubbing your eyes with dirty hands, can further mitigate the risk of infection or irritation.
Here’s when to seek medical help for your eye health
If you experience any discomfort or pain in your eyes, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to avoid any potential long-term damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in mitigating the severity of the condition and facilitating a speedy recovery. By delaying medical evaluation, the condition can worsen, leading to more severe symptoms and a more challenging course of treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize your eye health and seek immediate medical attention in case of any eye related discomfort or pain during the summer months.
