Summertime is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. But with all this extra outside activity, it’s essential to take some additional steps to take care of your health and avoid environmental hazards.
An often overlooked part of self-care involves protecting your eyes. Your eyes are susceptible and can be easily damaged by the sun, wind, dust, and other irritants, so you should take some precautions to keep them safe and healthy.
UV Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory. They help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection so that you can fully shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful radiation.
Sunburned eyes, or photokeratitis, are very painful and can cause temporary vision loss.
Other Eye Protection
In addition to sunglasses, you may also want to consider other eye protection when participating in any activities that could put your eyes at risk.
For example, if you’ll be spending time in the water, you should wear goggles to keep harmful materials (chlorine in pools and bacteria in natural bodies of water) out of your eyes.
Or, if you are doing any work that involves flying debris, such as gardening or woodworking, be sure to wear safety goggles to keep your eyes safe.
Avoid Irritants
Two common eye irritants in the summertime are sunscreen and bug spray. These products are beneficial, but if they get in your eyes, they can cause discomfort.
It would help if you were using sunscreen anytime you are outside during the day, but be careful not to get it in your eyes.
Eye Drops
If your eyes do become irritated somehow or dry due to the heat and winds of summer, artificial tears or other over-the-counter eye drops can help provide relief.
People who wear contacts are especially vulnerable to dry eyes, so take extra care to keep your eyes lubricated if you wear them.
Eat Healthily
Your eyes need certain nutrients to stay healthy and function properly, so eating a healthy diet is essential for eye health.
Summertime is a great time to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, packed with the vitamins and minerals your eyes need.
Rest Your Eyes
Constant strain on your eyes can lead to headaches, eye fatigue, and other issues.
If you spend a lot of time staring at screens (phones, computers, TVs) or out in the sun, give your eyes a break.
Take some time to close your eyes and rest them, or look at something far away for a few minutes.
By following these tips, you can help keep your eyes healthy and safe all summer long.
