Eye problems increase by 25% during the summer months, and as a result, many other conditions can develop. Take care of your eyes this summer with the information and recommendations we've compiled for you.
Solar radiation can cause tremendously harmful effects on our eyes: from conjunctivitis, corneal burns and melanomas to cataracts or macular degeneration.
Therefore, at Clínica Nivaria, we want to urge our patients to take the necessary precautions this summer to prevent future eye injuries. Eye health is just as important as the health of the rest of the body.
It's always necessary to protect our eyes, but during the summer months, solar radiation is more intense, and there are also many factors that increase the risk of eye problems or diseases. The sun, air conditioning, swimming pools, and sea salt, among others, increase the incidence of conjunctivitis and keratitis, especially in children and the elderly.
What can you do to protect your eye health?
Protect your eyes from the sun and UV rays. Sunlight not only causes sunburn, but can also damage the eyes, burning the cornea and causing superficial keratitis. Excessive sun exposure can accelerate the progression of cataracts and even lead to retinal burns. Ocular melanoma (a type of cancer) is also linked to excessive sun exposure.
Wearing protective eyewear is necessary practically year-round, but during these months they become truly essential. Sunglasses also protect us from other external factors such as sand, pollen, and airborne particles.
Radiation is omnipresent year-round, even in the shade or on cloudy days. Therefore, wearing sunglasses that offer 100% protection from ultraviolet rays is essential to prevent potential eye problems.
Protect your eyes in the water
Pool chlorine is a major source of eye infections and irritations, and many of our patients suffer from keratoconjunctivitis and bacterial conjunctivitis during the summer months. Therefore, at Clínica Nivaria, we believe it is important to follow these recommendations:
Wear diving or swimming goggles if you're going to be in the pool for an extended period. This will protect you from infections and irritations.
Avoid swimming with contact lenses in, and if you do, use disposable single-use contact lenses.
Keep your eyes well hydrated
Dry eye is a condition that peaks during the summer months. Prolonged use of air conditioning increases the incidence of dry eye syndrome. In the mountains, low humidity and heat increase tear evaporation, drying out the eyes. Dry eye causes itching, burning, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and a gritty feeling in the eyes.
At Clínica Nivaria, we want to emphasize that this advice isn't just for adults. Our pediatric ophthalmology specialists stress the importance of protecting children from solar radiation. This would prevent the development of future eye conditions in young children, which are undoubtedly closely linked to the radiation they receive during their early years.
