Your eyes are one of the most delicate and vital parts of your body, but they are especially prone to infections during the summer. Without proper care, some of these infections can lead to permanent problems. If you’re experiencing any vision issues, it’s essential to see an optometrist right away. Here are six easy tips to keep your eyes safe and healthy during the summer:
### When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Each season affects your eyes differently, and summer comes with unique challenges. Spending too much time in the sun isn’t just harmful to your skin—it’s also bad for your eyes. Overexposure to sunlight can increase your risk of macular degeneration, cataracts, and abnormal growths on the eyes. In severe cases, it can even cause the cornea to burn, which is both painful and damaging.
### 6 Ways to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
**1. Wash Your Hands Regularly and Avoid Touching Your Eyes**
Keeping your hands clean is a simple but highly effective way to prevent the spread of eye infections like conjunctivitis. This practice becomes even more important after any kind of eye surgery, as infections are more likely during the recovery period. Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying eye drops or other treatments. And as tempting as it might be, try not to rub your eyes, as this can transfer dirt and germs directly to them.
**2. Wear Protective Goggles When Swimming**
Swimming without proper eye protection can expose your eyes to harmful chemicals like chlorine, which can strip away the natural protective layer that keeps your eyes lubricated and bacteria-free. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and blurry vision.
After procedures like LASIK surgery, avoiding underwater swimming is critical to prevent infection and give your corneal tissue time to heal. Experts also recommend keeping your eyes chlorine-free for at least 14 days after the surgery. While chlorine does protect against germs, studies show that frequent exposure can negatively impact your eyes over time. Using UV-protective swim goggles is a simple yet effective way to keep your eyes safe.
**3. Watch What You Eat and Stay Hydrated**
Your diet plays a significant role in your eye health. During the summer, dehydration is more common, which can lead to issues such as dry eye symptoms. Drinking enough water helps maintain proper tear production and overall eye function.
In addition to staying hydrated, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Foods like fish, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and those containing zinc and selenium can help keep your vision sharp. Reducing your intake of saturated fats and sugars can also support better eye health over time.
**4. Protect Your Kids’ Eyes from UV Rays**
Children’s eyes are particularly sensitive to UV rays because their ocular lenses are less effective at filtering out harmful light. In fact, most of a person’s lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 18.
To protect your child’s eyes, always apply sunscreen to their face, and encourage them to wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when outdoors. Starting these practices early can make a big difference in their long-term eye health.
**5. Get Enough Sleep**
A hectic lifestyle can easily interfere with getting proper rest, but sleep is crucial for your eyes. When you’re tired, your eyes tend to dry out, increasing their exposure to irritants and making them more prone to infections. If you notice discomfort, like pain when blinking, it could be a sign of conditions such as dry eye syndrome or blepharitis. Visiting an eye care professional can help pinpoint and treat the issue. To support your eye health, make sure you’re sleeping enough, using artificial tears as needed, and taking regular breaks to rest your eyes.
**6. Visit an Eye Care Professional Regularly**
Regardless of whether you’re currently experiencing vision problems, routine eye exams are essential to maintaining good eye health. They help identify potential problems early and keep your vision sharp. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your eyes and their care during these visits.
If you don’t notice any eye issues in your 20s and 30s, seeing an eye specialist every 5 to 10 years is typically sufficient. However, as you age, more frequent visits are necessary. Between the ages of 40 and 65, aim for an eye exam every 2 to 4 years. After 65, make it a point to visit an eye care professional every 1 to 2 years.
Taking these simple steps can go a long way in maintaining healthy vision and protecting your eyes from preventable damage, especially during the summer months.