Summers are filled with many opportunities for fun activities, but unless you take extra precautions, you might injure your eyes. This Summer, our Optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center recommend that you make some time to protect your eyes.
Tips To Protect Your Eyes During Summer
- Wear Sunscreen! Did you know that your face is a somewhat reflective surface, and extra UV bouncing off your skin will end up hitting your eyes? Make sure you put sunscreen on your face, especially on your cheeks and around your eyes, to stop reflected UV rays from damaging your eyes.
- While swimming, be wary of objects that could seriously damage an eye if precautionary steps aren’t taken. Also, be sure to wear goggles when swimming underwater to protect your eyes from hazardous pool chemicals.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent burned corneas or damaged eyesight! What many people don’t realize is that our eyeballs can also get sunburned from too much UV exposure–and it hurts! In addition, UV exposure has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts in later years.
- When doing home projects, be sure to wear proper protective eyewear to avoid flying debris like wood chips, nails, etc.
- Summer sports, especially with kids, can be hazardous to the eyes. If you are going to play sports, the number one eye care best practice is to wear protective gear in sports like softball, volleyball, baseball, or even in activities like paintball to prevent a serious eye injury.
- Bugs are especially prevalent during summer’s many outdoor activities. Be careful not to spray bug spray near or into the eyes. The same goes for sunscreen—any sort of chemical in the eyes is never a good thing.
Protect your eyes this Summer! For more information about eye care or to schedule an appointment with Valley Eyecare Center, visit our website.
