Keep your Peepers Bright and Happy with Summer Eye Care Tips

The sunshine and increasing warmth is telling us that summer is just around the corner. While this brings a wealth of goodness (strawberry shortcake, anyone?), it is also important to recognize the special needs your eyes may have as the seasons change.
Sun Protection for your Eyes
We are well aware that we need to protect our skin from the ravages of excessive sun exposure. However, did you also know that it is possible to get a sunburn in your eyes? If you have never experienced this, be thankful. Likewise, do what you can to avoid it and to protect your little ones from UV damage to the eyes. A corneal burn can be extremely painful. Additionally, UV exposure is a factor in the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. While these conditions do not tend to occur until later in life, the protective practices you instill now can decrease your risk.
Another aspect of sun protection is that the skin around your eyes is quite delicate and more easily damaged. In addition to wearing sunglasses, apply sunscreen right up around the eyes, and top it all off with a wide-brimmed hat or ball cap.
Swimming
There are two specific warnings related to swimming. One is that the chemicals in pool water can lead to significant irritation. To avoid discomfort and a mandatory time-out from the water, protect little eyes – and your own – by wearing fitted swimming goggles during pool time.
Contact lenses and water do not make a good pairing. Underwater pressure can cause contacts to come loose in the eye. Also, if bacteria is present in the water, it can enter the area beneath contact lenses and cause infection. The safest bet is to wear prescription goggles when in the pool.
Hydration
Your eyes need hydration just like the rest of your body. While you are encouraged to drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months, the eyes can benefit from additional moisture in the form of artificial tears. Without sufficient moisture, dry eye may occur, causing a scratchy, foreign body sensation.
Summertime is also a great time to schedule yearly eye exams for the whole family. We’re happy to arrange your appointment at 540-722-6200.
Posted in: Eye Health