Posted on: 06/16/23

Uncategorized

With the sun on your face and longer days keeping you outside well into the evening, summer is a season you want to enjoy to the fullest. Make sure your eyes are healthy and ready for the warm weather months ahead.

Keep reading to learn eight of the best ways to prepare your eyes for summer! 

Wear Sunglasses

Ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your eyes. In the summer, when you spend time around pools, lakes, rivers, and other water features, the sun’s ultraviolet rays bouncing off the reflective surface of the water can cause even more damage. 

The greatest risk is for a condition called photokeratitis. Almost like a sunburn of the eye, photokeratitis occurs when the sun’s UV rays burn your corneas. 

Symptoms include eye pain, redness, blurry vision, and may include temporary loss of vision. To prevent this, wear sunglasses marked “100% UV protection” or rated UV 400.

Use A Hat Or Visor

While sunglasses offer protection, the brim of a hat or visor can physically block direct sunlight from reaching your face and eyes. Pair sunglasses with a hat, and you’re optimizing protection for your eyes and your precious sight. 

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential to every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Your eyes are no different. 

They depend on moisture to stay healthy and preserve sight. Your eyes lose moisture as water evaporates from the surface of the eye. 

Blinking lubricates the eyes to maintain moisture. In summer, when our eyes are exposed to greater amounts of sunlight, higher temperatures, and more dryness, it’s even more critical to stay hydrated so our eyes stay moist and healthy. 

Take Breaks From Screen Time

If you’re on the computer for hours at a time, schedule regular breaks to protect your sight. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 20-20-20 rule.

Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something that’s 20 feet away and do this for a count of 20 seconds. It only takes a handful of seconds, but you’re giving your eyes a rest from the up-close work. 

Each 20 second break decreases your risk for eye irritation and discomfort.

Use Lubricating Eye Drops 

Summertime exposure to wind, sun, and airborne particulates such as sand or smoke can make your eyes uncomfortable. Lubricating eye drops and artificial tears can help reduce the irritation. 

Drops during the day can alleviate discomfort. If you need more moisture, try using lubricating eye gels at bedtime. 

They’re thicker and stay in the eye longer, so your dry eyes will retain more moisture while you sleep. 

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes may feel good, but if you’ve got something in them, you can accidentally scratch your cornea or damage your eye in other ways. If you have something in your eye, make sure to flush it away with an eyewash. 

An eyewash cup is the best way to remove particles, chemicals, or other materials in your eye. 

Practice Good Hygiene

Whether you wear contact lenses or glasses, never touch your eyes without washing your hands first. Use soap and water, give them a good scrub, and dry them afterward. 

The less you touch your eyes, the less likely you are to introduce bacteria into the eye, which can lead to infection. 

Get Regular Eye Exams

A visit to your eye doctor at Cutarelli Vision in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is your best resource when it comes to maintaining your eye health and your clear vision. Many eye conditions can be treated effectively with early detection, and you don’t want to wait until you have significant symptoms to schedule a visit with your eye doctor. 

This summer, take some time and get your eyes checked out, and if you’re not on a regular schedule of comprehensive eye exams, now’s a good time to schedule one.

Is it time for you to have an eye exam? Schedule an appointment at Cutarelli Vision in Colorado Springs, CO, today!