Summer is finally here, and with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, it means we can start enjoying much more time outdoors with family and friends. Along with our usual summer skincare routine, we shouldn't forget to take care of our eyes during this joyful time of year.
In this article we give you some essential tips for taking care of your eyes during the summer:
1. Don't forget your sunglasses at home!
Just as going out without sunscreen can cause sunburn, going out on a sunny day without sunglasses can cause photokeratitis, which is a sunburn of the cornea. This condition occurs when the cornea is exposed to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays for extended periods. Symptoms include dryness, discomfort, and watering. It's best to wear sunglasses if you're going to be outdoors in the summer.
2. Wear sunglasses over contact lenses
While many contact lens brands offer UV protection, they only cover the center of the eye and not the area around the cornea, meaning you can still be susceptible to sun damage if you wear contact lenses outdoors. In addition, prolonged exposure to sunlight and salt water while wearing contact lenses often leads to dryness and eye irritation.
3. Pair the glasses with a good hat
Sunglasses alone do not offer protection against ultraviolet light, so we recommend always wearing them with a good hat, which will help reduce the risk of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching your eyes and prevent serious long-term problems.
Prolonged sun exposure can cause debilitating long-term eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred vision.
Furthermore, the skin around the eyes is extremely sensitive and can be prone to skin cancer if the eyes are not cared for and protected from the sun's harmful ultraviolet light. Sunscreen can be very helpful in protecting your skin from sun damage. Wearing sunglasses and a hat can save your eye health in the long run.
4. Wear goggles
If you plan to spend time in the pool, don't forget your goggles. The chlorinated pool water, which can also be full of germs, can be dangerous for your eyes in the long run. On the plus side, goggles will improve your vision while swimming underwater.
5. Protect your eyes while doing outdoor activities
Wearing eye protection isn't just important to avoid sun exposure. You should also wear eye protection when doing outdoor activities like mowing the lawn or doing DIY projects, where there's a risk of something getting into your eye and causing long-term damage. Always make sure you wear protective gear such as safety glasses, face masks, or other equipment to protect your eyes and face from potential harm.
Taking a proactive approach to eye care can be a great help in keeping vision problems at bay. If you're looking for an expert for a general eye exam, contact our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; we'd be happy to assist you.
