Summer is heating up, and while we all know to wear our sunscreen and protect our skin, we often forget to protect another vital organ: our eyes. As temperatures rise, the sun’s UV rays grow stronger, making it more important than ever to take proactive measures to keep our delicate eyes safe. With the help of these tips, you can enjoy the warm weather without sacrificing your eye health.
UV Rays and Your Eyes
UVA and UVB radiation are known to damage nearly all body parts, but they can be especially harmful to your vision. Ocular damage from UV rays is irreversible and can result in conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, corneal damage and more.
In fact, according to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of cataracts worldwide may be caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and consist of a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. They may make it harder to see or drive at night or cause symptoms like blurry vision, double vision or extreme sensitivity to glare and light.
Tips to Protect Your Vision This Summer
The first step to lowering risk is wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and brimmed hats. Consider wrap-around sunglasses to protect your peripheral vision and prevent possible glare as well. Make sure to check that your sunglasses are rated with UVA/UVB protection.
The sun’s strongest points of the day are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays during this time. Always wear sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially around your eyes and eyelids, but be careful to avoid your eyes. Your sunglasses will protect the areas you can’t reach.
Be sure to practice these tips no matter the time of year, as UV damage to the eyes can occur outside of the summer months — especially here in Florida, where the sun is always shining.
Eye-Friendly Summer Activities
During the summer months, we all want to get outside away from screens and mobile devices and enjoy our beautiful summer weather. Luckily, you can enjoy all your favorite activities while protecting your eyes with a few simple steps.
When spending time outdoors, take advantage of natural shade provided by trees, umbrellas or canopies to reduce direct exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Not only will this protect your eyes, but it will also help keep you cool during hot summer days.
When enjoying water sports like swimming or surfing, minimize infections or injuries by wearing swim goggles. These protect your eyes from chemicals or contaminants found in lakes or oceans. Chlorinated pools can cause eye irritation, so be sure to remove contacts before swimming.
Also use protective eyewear during other outdoor activities like cycling or playing ball sports. Goggles, safety glasses or helmets with face shields can provide an extra layer of protection for your eyes. It’s also important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E to maintain good eye health.
This summer, prioritize your eye health and schedule your annual eye check-up today. Your eye doctor can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and help ensure the long-term health of your eyes.
Donald A. Barnhorst, Jr., M.D., is a Ponte Vedra resident and board-certified ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists. For more information on Dr. Barnhorst, go to FloridaEyeSpecialists.com or call 904-564-2020.
