Summer Eye Care Tips
Summer, the season of sun, sand, and sea, is well underway! Excessive exposure to these elements can lead to vision problems, such as corneal abrasions and retinal conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your eyes during these hotter months.
Today, our doctors at Retina Associates in Kansas, City, MO offer summer eye care tips and tricks, so you can have fun in the sun without compromising your vision.
Choose the Right Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses is probably the most obvious recommendation for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. However, when shopping for your shades, you should choose a pair that offers 100 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Several generic and brand-name glasses offer this option, so you should be able to find a pair that fits your budget.
Purchase a Hat
Even when you wear sunglasses, UV rays can seep in between the gaps in your frames. This type of exposure can still lead to several issues, including skin cancer of the eyelids. Therefore, consider purchasing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your eyes and face from the sun.
When shopping for a hat, avoid ones made of straw, as the UV rays can still leak through the tiny holes. There are plenty of affordable hats on the market that even have built-in SPF protection.
Wear Goggles While Swimming
Most swimming pools are treated with chlorine. This substance protects our bodies from potential contaminants. However, it is not so nice on the eyes. Therefore, we recommend wearing goggles every time you go swimming to prevent water from getting in your eyes.
In fact, goggles are helpful when swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans as well; natural bodies of water also contain various contaminants which could be harmful to the eyes. As an added note, you should never, under any circumstances, open your eyes underwater unless you are wearing a mask or goggles.
Use Eye Protection When Necessary
Whether you are enjoying a game of sand volleyball or mowing the lawn, there are plenty of summertime environmental hazards that can have a negative impact on your eye health.
For example, sand, dirt, and pollen can all cause corneal abrasions, allergies, or other eye conditions. Therefore, it is always a good idea to wear safety glasses or shields to protect your eyes from these elements.
Stay Hydrated
It is no secret that drinking plenty of water helps your body function more efficiently. During the summer months, dehydration is far more likely.
Those without sufficient hydration may develop chronic dry eyes, a condition in which the eyes fail to produce quality lubrication. Exposure to sun, sand, dirt, and pollen can exacerbate dry eyes, leading to irritation, redness, itchiness, and discomfort.
Use Drops When Necessary
If you are experiencing eye discomfort that cannot be managed with the above recommendations, talk to your doctor about eye drops. These can help mitigate your pain and soothe inflammation.
The type of eye drops recommended for you will depend on your specific symptoms. During a consultation at our practice, we can help you determine which type will benefit you the most.
Contact Retina Associates Today
Do not let red, watery, itchy, or painful eyes keep you from enjoying your summer. To learn more about general eye care tips, contact us online or call us at (913) 831-7400.