7 Eyecare Tips to Get You Through the Summer (Summer Eyecare)

It’s New England—that means our summers are short and sweet. However, don’t let the brevity fool you. It’s still important to practice proper summer eyecare. Whether you’re being a beach bum on the Cape, hanging out by the pool, or lounging at your favorite lake or water hole, it’s important you protect your eyes with these 7 summer eyecare tips.

7 Eyecare tips for the summer

Your eyes don’t ask a lot of you. Summer eye care is simple, but it’s important to remain consistent. Follow these tips to get through the summer.

Wear sunglasses

Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. This will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.

Choose a wide-brimmed hat

A wide-brimmed hat can help to shade your eyes and prevent harmful UV rays from reaching them. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outside.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated can help to prevent dry eyes, which can be especially common during the summer months. If you suffer from dry eyes, then invest in “artificial tears” eye drops.

Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing your eyes can introduce bacteria and irritants, which can lead to infections and other eye problems. Consider using your favorite over-the-counter allergy medication if you’re the victim of allergy-related itchy eyes.

Take breaks from screens

If you’re spending a lot of time in front of a computer or other screen, make sure to take regular breaks to rest your eyes. If you’re working outdoors, use your computer in a shaded area to avoid the intense flare of your computer screen, as it can cause eye fatigue.

Schedule an eye exam

Lastly, make sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. This will help to ensure that your eyes are healthy and that any potential problems are caught early.

How Can the Sun Damage Your Eyes?

The sun’s UV rays can cause significant damage to your eyes, both in the short and long term. Exposure to UV rays without proper protection can lead to painful sunburns on the surface of your eyes, known as photokeratitis, or “sunburn of the eye”. This condition can cause redness, swelling, tearing, and sensitivity to light, and typically resolves on its own within a few days. However, repeated exposure to UV rays can also contribute to the development of more serious eye problems over time, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even certain types of eye cancer.

Over time, UV exposure can cause cumulative damage to your eyes, meaning that each time you’re exposed to UV rays without protection, your risk of eye damage increases. This is why it’s important to protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, even on cloudy or overcast days, and by seeking shade whenever possible, especially during peak sunlight hours.

Are you in need of an eye exam? We recommend annual check-ups. If you’re due, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.