Summer is the time to appreciate and enjoy the outdoor environment. If you are like most people, you will spend a lot of time outdoors.
There are always so many things to do that we get carried away and may fail to take proper care of ourselves during the summer.
Most people are conscious about their skin and will get quality sunscreen. What about your eyes?
Summer can hurt your eyes as much as it can hurt your skin. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the summer sun can cause a number of damages to the eyes.
You have to do all you can to protect your eyes from all harmful rays from the sun and other dangers you may not be aware of.
Here, we will discuss some of the most important eye care tips for this summer. These tips will help protect you from immediate as well as long term eye problems caused by sun and pollution:
1. Avoid Midday Sun As Much As Possible
This may sound too obvious but it can save you a lot of trouble. The sun is always harshest around midday. If it is possible, try to stay away from direct sunlight during this hotter times of the day.
While the strength of the sun is highest during the hours around midday, UV rays are also at their peak.
Staying indoors during these harsh hours will significantly minimize the risk of suffering any eye issues as exposure to dangers is significantly minimized.
2. Wear the Right Sunglasses
Sunglasses are among the most important accessories during the summer.
It is also important that you wear the right sunglasses frame for your face that will offer complete protection from the harmful effects of the sun.
You need to make sure that the sunglasses you are wearing offer 100% UV protection as wearing anything that is not 100% will cause you more harm.
Double check to ensure that your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection and is large enough to cover your eyes properly. Wraparound designs are also highly regarded.
3. Wear Sunglasses During Cloudy Days
Some people erroneously assume that there is no need to wear sunglasses when the sun is not fully out and when the day is cloudy.
There is real risk of UV exposure even during cloudy days. Make sure you have your sunglasses on whenever you go out this summer.
Sports sunglasses are particularly comfortable during cloudy days as they let you see clearly while offering complete protection against UV rays and other possible dangers.
4. Use Goggles at the Pool
Swimming is one of the most fulfilling sun activities during the summer. The feeling of submerging your body in water during hot afternoons and feeling cool even when you step out is super-alluring.
Do not let the excitement make you forget about eye care. It is important to remove contact lenses before getting into water to avoid irritation.
Also remember that the chlorine in swimming pools that are used to protect you from exposure to germs can also hurt your eyes.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid swimming. It is advisable to use goggles at swimming pools. The will not only protect you from chlorine but other contaminants you may not know about.
5. Use Eye Drops If Necessary
There are instances that call for use of eye drops no matter how careful you are. Individuals who have eye conditions will need eye drops to manage their conditions.
Dry eyes is a common issue for individuals who live in dry climates and there may be need to apply artificial tears.
To keep dry eyes at bay, wear wraparound sunglasses that will prevent dry wind from drying out your eyes.
If eye drops are recommended for you, make sure you use them correctly and consistently. You should also never leave your home without them.
6. Wear Eye Protection during Outdoor Activities
Never play around with eye safety. There are various outdoor activities you may want to take part in during the summer and you need to protect your eyes at all times.
Whether you are mowing the lawn, trimming weeds, or playing any outdoor game like baseball, make sure you use the proper protective eyewear.
Eye injury is not something you want to deal with in the summer or during any season at all.
Dust and sand are some of the simplest things that can get into your eyes during summer outdoor activities but there are chances of chemical exposure too.
Sunglasses also assist in improving your sports performance so wear protective sunglasses and take precautions at all times.
7. Keep Your Hands Clean and Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Keeping your hands clean at all times is another important way to protect your eyes during the summer.
Most people unconsciously rub their eyes with their hands from time to time. This is how most communicable eye diseases are spread.
In addition to prying to keep your hands clean at all times, make sure you wash them thoroughly whenever you need to apply any treatment to your eyes. You also need to avoid rubbing your eyes.
8. Wear a Sun Hat
A sun hat or visor can perform be more beneficial than you can imagine.
While most sunglasses offer full UV protection, they may not cover the eyes properly, especially from the top, since there are always some gaps.
Harmful rays may still reach your eyes and eyelids. Adding a hat with a brim or a visor will offer the extra protection you need.
9. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
Your feeding habit will also influence eye health during the summer. Some foods are rich in nutrients that improve your eyesight and help prevent the development of long-term vision issues.
Carrot is one of the popular ones but there are several others. Supplements or foods high in Vitamin A and E, as well as zinc can be very helpful.
You also need to stay adequately hydrated during the summer so that your body can produce enough tears and provide fluid for normal eye function.
Your eyes are among the most important parts of your body and taking good care of them is very important.
There are different things you can do to care for your eyes during the summer and we have discussed the most important ones here.
You should also get adequate sleep to keep your eyes in great condition in the summer and beyond.