Much is said about protecting your skin from sun damage, while the importance of taking care of your eyes during the sunny summer months is not spoken about much.
Your eyes are particularly vulnerable in summer when the sun is at its strongest and you tend to be more active outdoors.
The ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun can, over time, damage your eyes and put you at risk for conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and thickening of the white parts of the eyes. At the same time, summer outdoor activities expose you to eye irritants such as dust, as well as chlorine and other chemicals used in swimming pools.
Here are 6 tips to help your eyes stay healthy this summer:
Wear sunglasses
Choose sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and keep them on whenever you are out in the sun. Don’t be fooled by cloudy or overcast days; the UV rays are still there so keep your shades on!
Put on a hat
While sunglasses can protect your eyes against most UV rays, combining them with a hat will ensure protection of areas that sunglasses alone don’t cover. Minimize your exposure by wearing a hat with a brim that’s at least 7 centimeters wide.
Don’t skip the goggles
Wear goggles while swimming in the sea or pool; they will protect your eyes from chlorine, chemicals, and other contaminants.
Use eye drops
If your eyes get dry and itchy because of dust or allergies, avoid rubbing them with your hands as this will only transfer allergens and contaminants from your hands to your eyes. Instead, use some soothing eye drops. Should there be no improvement, it is best to consult with an eye doctor.
Drink plenty of water
Summertime activities and heat are likely to leave you dehydrated, with potential adverse effects on your eyes. It will be more difficult for your body to produce tears and your eyes may become dry and irritated. Drinking plenty of water daily can prevent or reverse the negative effects of dehydration and provides the fluid needed for normal eye function.
Get enough sleep
When you don’t sleep well your eyes become more prone to dryness. You are likely to start rubbing them and, here also, risk transferring allergens and contaminants from your hands to your eyes. A good night’s sleep or afternoon nap can help your eyes stay healthy.
Don’t forget the kids!
Of course, these same tips apply to children! According to The World Health Organization, roughly 80% of a person’s lifetime UVR exposure occurs prior to the age of 18. A child’s ocular lenses do not filter out UV light as efficiently as an adult’s, so children can sustain eye damage more readily. This makes it extra important to help them protect their eyes and to teach them the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun once they are old enough to understand.
Remember that it’s not only your skin that needs protecting during summer. Use these tips to care for your eyes and keep them healthy for many seasons to come.
