Summer is here, and so is the harsh sun that can damage your eyes. Now is the time to ensure that you take good care of your eyes and protect them properly.
Below are some useful tips that can help protect your eyes this summer.
Wear Sunglasses
Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection or ones that are polarised. Larger framed glasses are better as the large frame blocks out more UV rays. On cloudy days, it is recommended to wear sports sunglasses. Don’t let the clouds deceive you, UV rays are still hurting your eyes. Sunglasses get scratched easily, or you lose them without realising, so always keep a second pair of sunglasses handy.
Wear a hat or a sun visor
For extra protection, make sure you wear a hat. The wider the brim, the more your eyes are shaded from UV rays. That hat is an additional barrier between you and the sun’s rays.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can affect your eyes. When you are dehydrated, your body can’t produce tears which lead to dry eye symptoms and other vision problems. It is extremely important to keep your skin and eyes hydrated. Drink at least 2 liters of water every day.
Avoid midday sun
If possible, stay indoors between 10:00 and 15:00. The sun’s rays are at their strongest during this time. Need to go outside? Make sure you are wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection or polarised glasses, which help reduce the glare from the bright sun.
Wear goggles when you swim
Protect your eyes from pool chemicals. The amount of chlorine in a pool can be harmful to your eyes. Make sure you wear goggles when you go for a dip in the pool. Goggles will also help keep other bacteria entering your eyes that can cause infections. While we are discussing pools, we recommend that your remove your contact lenses before getting into the water.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands on a regular basis to protect yourself from the spread of disease. Germs come into contact with your eyes when you rub them with dirty hands; these germs can cause infections. However, if possible, avoid rubbing your eyes even with clean hands.
Eat healthy
What you eat can affect your eyesight. You need to eat foods that are rich in nutrients that improve eyesight and help prevent the development of long-term vision eye problems. Eat plenty leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, fish that are rich in omega 3 and nuts and seeds
Use Eye Drops
Despite your best efforts to keep your eyes healthy and moist, you might need eye drops to minimise discomfort from dry eyes. When your eyes are dry, they become more sensitive to light and vision could become blurry. Any eye that is not lubricated is more susceptible to scratches and infections.
So, if you are going to the beach this summer or lying by the pool catching the sunny rays, make sure you have your sunglasses, hat and water bottle. Look after your eyes this summer.
Teach your child healthy eye care:
UV protection for their eyes are just as important as UV protection for their skins. Make sure they wear a hat and good sunglasses when exposed to the sun!
Encourage them to follow a balanced diet and drink enough water.
