Summer Eye Care Tips

Summer is the time of year that people spend more time enjoying time outside and cooling off in the pool. However, most people don’t consider how their eyes can be damaged during the summer months.

At Deen-Gross Eye Centers, we provide comprehensive eye care services to patients. This includes educating patients on how they can maintain the health of their eyes. In this blog post, we provide important summer eye care tips so our Merrillville, IN patients can protect their eyes and prolong good vision for as long as possible.

Why You Should Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Did you know that sun exposure is a risk factor for some eye conditions? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, exposure to UV light increases the risk of cataract, growths on the eye such as pterygium, and cancer.

In addition, a study published in The Archives of Ophthalmology found that people who spent five hours a day in the sun compared with people that spent less than two hours a day in the sun were more than twice as likely to develop early age-related macular degeneration.

Finally, the reflection of sunlight off sand or water can cause photokeratitis. This painful condition is like having a sunburn on the eyes.

How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

First, you should wear sunglasses whenever you are out in the sun. However, choosing the right pair of sunglasses is key. Look for sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection or UV400.

In addition, you can wear a hat with a wide brim or significantly reduce UV exposure to the eyes.

Of course, it is also a good idea to wear sunscreen anytime you are outside. Apply a generous amount to the face, including around the eyes. Also apply it anywhere that the skin is exposed.

These habits will not only protect your eyes, but your skin as well. The use of sunscreen can prevent premature wrinkling, and sunglasses and a hat will prevent squinting, which can cause wrinkles around the eyes.

Patients should follow these recommendations all seasons of the year, including when they are driving.

Finally, we recommend that you check the warning label on any medications that you take daily. Some medications make the eyes more susceptible to UV damage. In these cases, patients should be extra cautious when going out in the sun.

Why You Should Protect Your Eyes from the Water

While swimming and water sports are fun summer activities, there may be dangers lurking in the water. Pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and other water sources could harbor bacteria or viruses that cause infection.

Protecting Your Eye in the Water

To protect your eyes in the water, we recommend wearing goggles if you are going to open your eyes underwater. This applies to any pool, hot tub, ocean, or freshwater source that you swim or lounge in.

To schedule an appointment to have your eyes checked, contact Deen-Gross Eye Centers today. We can determine if your eyes have sustained any damage from the sun and recommend appropriate treatment.