7 ways to look after your eyes this summer
With summer approaching, many of us are conscious of the importance of staying hydrated and protecting our skin with sunscreen. But what about our eyes? Here, we outline seven key ways in which you can optimise your eye health during the warmer months.
1. Choose the right sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory - they’re vital for protecting your eyes against the harmful UV rays of the sun. It’s important to note, however, that not all sunglasses are created equally. To ensure you and your children have the best protection, look for the British Standard (ISO 12312 - 1:2022), CE or UV 400 mark. Alternatively, choose your sunglasses from a reputable optician.
2. Wear a sunhat
In addition to keeping your face shielded from the sun, hats provide an extra layer of protection for your eyes. A baseball cap or wide brimmed hat can block a significant amount of UV rays from reaching your eyes, keeping them safe and comfortable.
3. Invest in artificial tears
The heat of the summer months and the use of air conditioning can cause or exacerbate dry eye, a condition where tear production is decreased or the tears evaporate too quickly. It can lead to a gritty sensation and discomfort. To prevent eye issues and keep your eyes feeling moist and refreshed, use artificial tears or an ophthalmic gel on hot, dry days.
4. Wear goggles
Whether you’re going for a dip in the sea or splashing about with the kids in the pool it’s a good idea to wear goggles, particularly if you intend to swim underwater. Bodies of water often contain bacteria and microorganisms that can cause infection - especially if you wear contact lenses - and goggles reduce the risk of contamination. Alternatively, take your contact lenses out before swimming.
5. Drink water
Staying hydrated in summer is important for regulating your body temperature and preventing serious conditions like heat stroke, but it’s also vital for keeping your eyes healthy. Drinking water helps to facilitate tear production, which lubricates the eyes and keeps them comfortable throughout the day.
6. Stop rubbing!
Hay fever sufferers and beach-goers can find their eyes feeling itchy and irritated by pollen or sand. Try to resist the temptation to rub, since this can cause any particles of dust, pollen or sand that have entered your eyes to scratch your cornea. It may also introduce bacteria from your hands, leading to infection. Instead, invest in a sterile saline solution to flush out any irritants.
7. Keep up with your eye checks
Getting a regular eye health check will help to ensure your eyes remain comfortable over the summer months. Your optician can provide general advice as well as specific tips on how to stay comfortable if you have a certain condition such as dry eye.
Here at The Eye Establishment we offer comprehensive eye checks that assess not only your vision but also your overall eye health. We also have a wide range of glasses and sunglasses from premium brands available, so you can embrace the summer with confidence, style and the right protection.