7 Summer Eye Care Tips
7 Summer Eye Care Tips
It’s here, after all this time, summer weather has graced us with its presence. While the official first day of summer is June 21st, we’re already feeling the sun on our faces. Yet, with summer comes summer eye care tips. As you enjoy the beach, the sunshine, and yard work, it’s important to keep your eyes healthy and safe!
We thought we’d share some eye care tips to get you through the summer. While some of this stuff you might already know, we think a few things might surprise you.
Wear the Right Sunglasses
Surprise! That nifty and inexpensive pair of shades you grabbed off the shelf might not actually be keeping the sun out of your eyes. When it comes to sunglasses, you want to invest in a pair that blocks both UV-A and UV-B rays; these are two types of ultraviolet light that the sun emits, and neither should go into your eye.
Sunglasses are required to report their UV protection, most commonly found on a sticker adhered to the lenses. Be sure to check the quality of UV protection and if it doesn’t cut it, then look elsewhere.
Don’t Be Afraid of a Few Tears
Heat, dust, and sun can do a number of your eyes by drying them out. Many of us don’t have a problem with this; we produce enough tears of our own to keep your eyes nicely lubricated. However, some of us can’t keep up, and instead develop the condition known as “dry eye.”
Are your eyes red, swollen, and itchy? You probably have dry eyes. Luckily, all you need is a bottle of artificial tears, which can be found on the shelf of any pharmacy. Artificial tears will safely lubricate your eyes and keep them from getting irritated.
When Swimming, Lose the Lenses
Most of us know to take our contact lenses out before we sleep. However, did you know you should also remove your lenses when you go swimming? Any body of water, even a chlorinated swimming pool, can harbor microorganisms that can get underneath your contact lenses and wreak havoc on your eyes in the form of a nasty and painful infection. Before you take a dive, remember to remove your contact lenses so your eyes can breathe and flush out bacteria.
Use Thick Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must for anything that basks in the sun. However, a thin sunscreen can get into your eyes and cause all kinds of problems. We recommend you choose a thick, mineral-based sunscreen that will not run into your eyes due to sweat or through getting wet by swimming.
Eat Omega-3s
Summer means a bountiful harvest of fruits and veggies. We recommend that you take advantage of what’s in season. What produce is best for your eye health? Zucchini, green pepper, tomatoes, melons, and peaches all contain healthy nutrients for your eyes. Seeds and nuts are especially beneficial due to their high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
Wear Protective Eyewear When Working Outside
Yard work is a part of summer. However, before you take out that weed whacker be sure you put on a pair of safety goggles. Sure, you might look a little goofy, but protective eyewear will keep dirt, dust, and other debris out of your eyes, and will protect you from any sticks and stones that might be kicked up and into your face.
Get Your Eyes Examined
Last but not least, ensure you keep up with your eye examinations. We recommend that people with healthy vision see us every other year. People with corrective lenses should see us yearly to check their prescription and monitor their vision.
Is it time to make an appointment? Reach out to us today.