Summer Eye Care and Safety

As the heat and fun of summer arrive, it is important to remember that this season can be vital for our eyes.  

Eye care and eye protection are not something you can afford to neglect whether you are spending a day at the beach or taking a stroll through the park. It is not just the sun to be cautious of, fireworks, pool water, and other key features of summer can be strenuous to your eye health.  

This post will look at some risks to your eyes, as well as how you can keep your eyes healthy.  

Watch Out for These Dangers to Your Eyes this Summer 

At our office, we see it all the time: patients with overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, damage from chlorine, and complications from other stimuli often associated with summer fun.  

But it doesn’t have to be this way! With a few simple preventative measures, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer and keep your eyes safe and healthy.  

First, let’s look at some of the biggest threats to your eye health and safety in the summer months. 

UV Radiation 

UV rays, or ultraviolet radiation, are some of the most dangerous and harmful rays that come from the sun. Their negative effects on our skin are well-known, but they are just as dangerous to our eyes.  

UV rays have been known to cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn.  

If your sunglasses do not have 100% UV protection, then it is time to find some that do.  

Keeping your eyes safe from the sun is important! Check out the comprehensive guide on UV eye protection here! 

Chlorine and Saltwater 

What’s better than a dip in the pool on a blazing summer day? Not much! 

However, that innocent swim session can leave your eyes damaged. Chlorine and salt water can both irritate your eyes causing redness, itching, or infection.  

Frequent exposure to chlorine or salt water without goggles can aggravate existing issues or cause long-term damage.  

How important is wearing goggles while you swim? Learn the facts here! 

Allergens 

There’s more than fun in the air! Allergens like pollen can cause itchy or watery eyes in addition to swelling and redness. 

Uncomfortable eyes can quickly turn a relaxing day into a nightmare.  

Fireworks 

Picture this: a dark night, your pupils are open wide to allow as much light in as possible, then a bright, colorful flash illuminates the sky. It’s fireworks, how thrilling! 

However, when you blink you find the bright flash has been imprinted into the back of your eye. If this happens frequently enough you have temporary, and in extreme cases permanent, vision loss.  

Keep your distance from fireworks and always bring eye protection like sunglasses to maintain eye health this summer. 

How to Keep Your Eyes Healthy This Summer 

Now that we have a better understanding of the threats facing your eyes, let’s run down a few ways to prioritize eye health and eye safety.  

Wear Sunglasses 

Sunglasses protect your eyes from bright lights and the harsh rays of the sun, and they are stylish too! 

Could polarized lenses be right for you? Here's your guide! 

Wear Goggles and Other Eye Protection 

Whether you are playing sports, going for a swim, or participating in other intense activities, wearing proper eye protection will boost your eye safety this summer. 

Stay Hydrated! 

Drinking enough water helps combat dry eye syndrome, which is key for standing up to allergens, wind, and other irritants.  

Take Breaks from Screens 

On blazing hot days, many of us find ourselves perched in front of a TV screen or hunched over our phones or tablets. Remember that too much screen time can cause headaches, eye strain, or dry eyes.  

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes 

When your eyes get itchy and sore from irritants, it is only natural to want to rub them. Stop! Rubbing your eyes is more harmful than helpful and it can even scratch your eye. Instead, flush your eyes with eye drops.  

Protect Your Eyes this Summer with Oxford Family Vision 

This summer will be one to remember, just be sure to take your sunglasses and eye drops with you wherever your next adventure takes you! 

If you want to keep your eyes healthy all summer long, then there is no better preventative measure than scheduling an appointment with Dr. Collins at Oxford Family Vision Care.  

A pre-summer eye exam will spot any red flags or emerging complications, and your eye care experts will treat them before they become an issue.  

Keep eye health and safety a priority this summer when you book an appointment with Oxford Family Vision Care today! 

Want more tips and tricks for eye health and protection? Follow Oxford Family Vision Care on Facebook and Instagram here! 

Happy with the difference we have made for your eye health? Leave Oxford Family Vision Care a five-star review here!