Summer Eye Care: Tips for Keeping Your Eyes Healthy
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and get some sunshine, but it is important to remember to take care of our eyes during this season and protect your eyes. The sun’s UV rays can damage your eyes and lead to vision problems later in life. Here are some few useful tips on how to take care of your eyes while you are enjoying the summertime with family and friends:
Wear Sunglasses
By wearing sunglasses you can protect your eyes. Choose a pair of sunglasses with UV protection, which will block out harmful UV rays. Sunglasses with wraparound design, help to protect the sides of your eyes from the sun.
Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat
Shop for a wide-brimmed hat for style and protection. By providing shade to your face and eyes from the sun, the hat can help to prevent damage to your eyes. Hat with a brim that is at least three inches wide is will provide the most protection.
Avoid the Midday Sun
Avoid being outside during mid-day since sun rays are the strongest at that time If you do need to be outside during the midday hours, protect your eyes with sunglasses and a hat.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and irritation. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated throughout the day to keep your eyes from getting dry and irritable.
Take Breaks
If you spend a lot of time on the computer reading and doing other work, take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. This will help to prevent eye strain and fatigue, that can eventually lead to vision problems. Take a break every 20 minutes to look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance for a few seconds.
Use Eye Drops
If you suffer from dry eyes during the summer months, consider using eye drops to help keep your eyes lubricated. Look for eye drops that are specifically designed for dry eyes, as these will provide the most relief.
Avoid Swimming with Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you must avoid swimming with them in, to prevent eye infections from water that can harbor bacteria and other harmful organisms. Instead, wear prescription goggles to protect your eyes while swimming.
Protect Your Eyes from Chemicals
If you plan on doing any gardening or using chemicals around the house during the summer months, wear eye protection. Chemicals can cause eye irritation and even blindness if they come into contact with your eyes. Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from chemicals.
Keep Your Hands Clean
During the summer months, it’s important to keep your hands clean to prevent the spread of germs. This is especially important if you wear contact lenses, as germs can easily be transferred from your hands to your eyes. Make sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Finally, it’s important to get regular eye exams to ensure that your eyes are healthy. This is especially important if you have a family history of eye problems or if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor can check for any vision problems and recommend treatments or preventive measures to keep your eyes healthy.
You may have young kids spending time at home during the summer. Here are special instructions for eye care for young kids:
Schedule regular eye exams: It is important to schedule regular eye exams for your child, starting at the age of 6 months. Children’s eyes are still developing, and early detection and treatment of eye problems can prevent vision loss.
Encourage outdoor play: Spending time outdoors can help prevent nearsightedness in children. Encourage your child to play outside for at least an hour a day, and make sure they wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses and hats.
Limit screen time: Too much screen time can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other vision problems. Limit your child’s screen time to no more than 2 hours per day, and make sure they take breaks every 20 minutes.
Encourage healthy eating habits: Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote good eye health in children. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, and consider giving them supplements if necessary.
Protect their eyes: Make sure your child wears protective eyewear during sports and other activities that could lead to eye injury. If your child has a vision problem, make sure they wear their glasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
Watch for signs of eye problems: Keep an eye out for signs of eye problems such as crossed eyes, drooping eyelids, or excessive tearing. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your child to an eye doctor right away.
Talk to your child about eye safety: Teach your child about the importance of protecting their eyes and how to take care of them. Encourage them to ask questions and speak up if they notice any changes in their vision.
Take Aways:
Taking care of your eyes during summer is crucial to prevent vision problems later in life. Make sure to wear sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, take breaks, and avoid swimming with contact lenses in.
Taking care of your child’s eyes is important for their overall health and well-being. Schedule regular eye exams, encourage healthy habits, and teach them about eye safety to promote good eye health.
