Summer is here, and with it comes the higher temperatures, longer days, and maybe some time spent at the pool, lake, or beach. Most of us understand we should stay hydrated and wear good sunscreen, but we also need take steps to protect our eyes during the summer, too!
We’ll share some summer eye safety tips to help you avoid injury and protect your eye health and vision.
Wear Quality Sunglasses.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage our skin and can be equally damaging to our eyes.
Did you know that your eyes can get sunburned? The condition is called photokeratitis, and is caused by sun reflection from water, sand, and snow. While temporary, photokeratitis has painful symptoms, including sensitivity to light, eye pain, tearing, and headache.
Unprotected exposure to the UV rays from the sun can also lead to an increase in risk for eye disease, such as cataracts and cancer, so when spending time outside, always wear quality sunglasses.
Quality sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you wear contact lenses, you should still wear quality sunglasses; ideally, prescription sunglasses, so that your eyes are protected, and you have clear, comfortable vision. Everyone needs to wear sunglasses, including babies and children! The lenses in children’s eyes let in even more UV rays than adults’ eyes, and not protecting them in their early years can put them at increased risk of developing eye diseases later in life.
Protect Your Eyes While Swimming.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before swimming in a pool, ocean, or lake, as bodies of water can be contaminated with microorganisms and bacteria, which may lead to an eye infection. Wear goggles with a good seal while you swim, as they reduce the risk of irritation from chlorine.
Wear Protective Eyewear for DIY Projects around the House.
Do your summer plans include cleaning, home improvement projects, and yard work? Nearly half of all eye injuries happen at home. [1]
Lawn mowers can send debris and dirt toward the face and eyes and cause injury. The chemicals in household cleaning products, like bleach, can irritate and damage the eyes. Using power tools can send wood chips and other debris into the air which have the potential to injure the eyes.
Be aware of hazards while working around the house, and wear appropriate protective eyewear.
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals.
Fireworks may be part of your summer plans, particularly leading up to and on the 4th of July, but handling fireworks on your own can be dangerous. Did you know that injuries from fireworks cause approximately 9,100 visits to the emergency room each year, with 15% of those injuries being eye-related? [2]
According to Prevent Blindness, there really is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks.[3] Most injuries from fireworks occur during the one-month period surrounding the 4th of July, with contusions and lacerations being the most common eye injuries which result from handling fireworks.
The safest plan is to attend a fireworks display put on by professionals instead of handling them yourself. If you do insist on purchasing fireworks and handling them on your own, keep them away from children.
Comprehensive Eye Care at Spring House Eye Associates in Spring House and Glenside
The doctors at Spring House Eye Associates provide comprehensive eye care for all members of the family. Schedule an eye exam today!
[1] AAO Prevent Injuries In Home
