5 Tips for Summer Eye Health

Summertime is pretty much the highlight for most people, adults and children alike. Barbeques, swimming, summer vacations, holidays, and sunshine just make this time of year a general favorite. That said, summer does require a bit of precaution. We’ve got sunscreen to prevent sunburns, but what about our eyes? Here are 5 tips for your summer eye health.

Sunlight doesn’t just run the risk of burning your skin. When the light reflects off of the sand, water, or other reflective surfaces your eyes can actually get sunburned. Photokeratitis is a condition that occurs when the sun’s ultraviolet rays burn the surface of your eye. Pain, redness, and temporary vision loss are symptoms of this condition. Wearing 100% UV protective sunglasses and a big floppy hat are great ways to combat eye burn.

Swimmer’s eye is another real concern and we have a blog about that specifically. You can access it here for more detailed information about the swimmer’s eye. Essentially, chlorine and other chemicals can harm your eyes causing increased dryness and discomfort.

The peak of the sun’s heat is about midday. From around 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the sun is the hottest and the UV rays are the strongest. Wear you big sunglasses and wide brimmed hat if you’re out during this time of the day. You can also find polarized lenses and goggles that minimize the impact of reflective light. This is a great option for people who spend a lot of time on or near the water.