Protecting your eyes is critical for a long and healthy life, and having the right tools and tips will keep your eyes sharp for decades to come. A shocking 1.5 million people have blindness from cataracts resulting from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Using the proper equipment and strategies to protect your eyes during the summer months could prove valuable for your future.
It’s easy to dismiss UV light as unimportant when spending more time outside. Small tips like wearing sunglasses will protect not only your eyes from sunlight but also from sand, debris, and bug bites.
The good news is that you’ve found the perfect resource to learn several tips to protect your eyes when you’re adventuring this summer. Continue reading to learn the proper ways to keep your eyes safe today!
Wear Sunglasses With UVR Protection
The best sunglasses come with lenses that protect from UV light. Always check the sticker or the online sunglasses description before making a purchase.
Ultraviolet radiation bounces off other surfaces like snow, concrete, and water. Your eyes need as much protection from these harmful rays as your skin. Get in the habit of wearing sunglasses that offer 100 percent protection from UV light to keep your eyes sharp and intact.
You’ll find several affordable sunglasses brands that offer eye protection from UVR. You should wear these sunglasses whether it’s sunny or cloudy to preserve your sight and health.
Use Goggles When Swimming
You should also remember to wear goggles when swimming in the lake or pool this summer. UV light bounces off the water and can cause significant eye damage when swimming on sunny days.
Your goggles are also helpful equipment to keep sand and debris out of your eyes. Chlorine is another chemical harmful to your eyes, so it’s best to invest in goggles to take with you when visiting the ocean, lake, or pool.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes is a sure way to spread illness and disease, especially if you haven’t washed your hands recently. You could require complicated surgery to preserve your vision and eliminate the discomfort you’re feeling. Consider using eye drops to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.
Wear Hats
Hats are the perfect remedy to keep the sun out of your eyes during those long summer days. You’ll prevent strain on your eyes, and the bill will block UV light to take a burden off your sunglasses.
Your hat also protects your forehead, eyes, eyelids, and nose. Sunglasses often have gaps that allow UV light in and can cause damage to your eyes and skin. Add a hat with a broad bill to close those gaps and protect your face during time spent outside.
It’s also worthwhile to consider purchasing hats with built-in bug nets. You can prevent a bug bite on the eye and excessive discomfort when wearing a hat with bug protection. Learn what to do if you experience a bug bite on eye this summer.
Wear Eye Protection
Most people spend more time outside during the summer months due to the warm temperatures and the various outdoor activities you can do. Wearing eye protection during outdoor activities is critical for your eye health.
Failure to wear eye protection will result in foreign objects and debris in your eyes. You’ll have an uncomfortable visit to the doctor or urgent care facility to remove this debris from your eye and restore your vision.
Woodworking and handling yardwork puts your eyes at risk, especially when you do not wear equipment to protect your eyes. Most eye injuries from sand and debris heal within a few days, but you risk long-term injuries and loss of vision with woodchips and other foreign bodies.
Consume a Healthy Diet
The story that carrots are beneficial for your eyes is helpful. Still, there are several nutritious and healthy food and beverage options to consider if you want to protect your eyes this summer. You can prevent long-term vision problems by building your diet around these options.
Add foods that contain high volumes of Vitamin E, C, and Zinc. These vitamins prevent macular degeneration, which takes your eyesight as you age. You’ll slow or stop the symptoms and protect your vision for the foreseeable future.
Drinking plenty of water is also critical to protect your eyes during the summer. The hotter temperatures and increased activity are likely to cause dehydration. Lack of hydration will result in your body struggling to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Use Eye Drops
Eye drops are a valuable commodity during the summer if you want to protect your eyes and keep them hydrated. Eye drops are perfect for dealing with allergies that make your eyes feel dry. Your dry eyes could also result from exposure to chemicals when swimming or enjoying nature.
If your eyes don’t feel better after using eye drops, it’s wise to consult with an ophthalmologist. You could face a severe issue with your eyesight, and it’s best to get examined sooner than later.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep plays a significant role in your eye health, and ensuring ample rest during the summer months is essential. Life gets more hectic during the summer, but you must find time to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Tired eyes lead to rubbing your eyes more, increasing the likelihood of getting debris or sand in them. Your vision is vital to drive, care for your kids, and prepare meals. Don’t take it for granted; get plenty of sleep to maintain your eye health.
Take Steps to Protect Your Eyes
Taking steps to protect your eyes is essential to get through the summer with top-notch vision and eye health. Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from UV light, and wear a hat to protect your eyes and prevent a bug bite on the eye. Drink plenty of water, and remember to use goggles when swimming for protection from sunlight, sand, and debris.
Summer is around the corner, and you must take the proper steps for the health of yourself and your family. Read more of our health and fitness blog content to keep your body and mind pristine today!