Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are some of the most useful tools that people have to protect their eyes from sunlight, but not all sunglasses are created equal. The best sunglasses are those that protect the eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. When shopping for sunglasses, look for products that indicate they protect the eyes from both types of UV sunlight.
If you normally wear prescription lenses, you'll need prescription sunglasses for driving and conducting other activities in the summer. Without prescription sunglasses, you could find yourself driving outdoors while squinting in the sun. If you participate in sports, you may need to get special sunglasses that strap onto your head. Talk to your eye doctor for recommendations.
Know When to Wear Eye Protection
Summer is a time when many people do yard work and home improvement projects. These outdoor activities can involve dangers like flying projectiles. Cutting grass, using a Weedwacker, and sawing wooden boards all involve flying debris.
Knowing when to wear eye protection is important. Personal protective equipment is available for sale at home improvement centers and online. Eye doctors even sell prescription eye protection for people who need it. Any time a swiftly moving blade or flying debris is involved, wearing eye protection can help protect your eyes from injury.
If you fail to wear eye protection and your eyes are damaged or injured by a projectile, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment for injuries can help prevent problems like permanent eye damage.
Use Goggles
Exposure to chlorinated water can cause swimmer's eye, a type of conjunctivitis. Wearing goggles while swimming can prevent this illness from happening. If you spend a lot of time in the pool in the summer, buy a pair of goggles that fit well. If your goggles leak, adjust the straps or buy a new pair. Wear your goggles every time you go into the pool to keep your eyes protected.
Use Eye Drops
Dry eyes are a common problem in summer because of the high pollen count, hot weather, and exposure to sunlight. Eye drops can help keep the eyes lubricated and protected at this time of year. Keep eye drops on hand and use them regularly, especially when your eyes seem red, irritated, and itchy.
If you're not sure which brand is right for you, talk to your eye doctor. He or she can recommend a brand of eye drops that can help protect your eyes. If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, your eye doctor may even prescribe special eye drops that can address this problem.
Wear Hats Outdoors
Although sunglasses certainly can help protect the eyes from dangerous UVA and UVB rays, another way to protect the eyes is by wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Sunglasses often have spaces on the sides that can expose the eyes to sunlight. Wearing a hat can prevent this type of exposure. When looking for a hat, purchase a product that has a wide brim on three sides.
Contact A Reputable Eye Doctor
If you have more questions about how you can protect your eyes in the summer, contact a reputable eye doctor in your area. At Fraser Optical, we encourage you to
contact us
to discuss the best ways to keep your eyes safe this summer. We'll be happy to answer your questions!