Follow these tips for optimal eye protection
With the calendar turning to June, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind, summer. With the arrival of summer comes the arrival of summer fun such as swimming, boating and other favorite summertime activities. We do love to spend time outdoors in the summer. However, did you know that if you’re not careful, all that time outdoors could cause serious damage to your vision? It’s important to be vigilant and always use proper eye protection. Here are a few tips for keeping your vision in great shape throughout the season.
Sunglasses
This one’s a no-brainer. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Even if you’re just stepping outside for a few moments, the power of the sun can ruin vision in the short term and over long periods of time. It’s smart to ensure that your sunglasses block 100% of UV Rays, which is usually marked by a sticker on the lens.
Use Goggles
If swimming is your summertime thing, make sure you take great precaution when you’re in the pool. Children especially love to use goggles to dive and swim underwater while being able to see. However, some children fall into the bad habit of opening their eyes under water. Whether you have a saltwater or chlorine-treated pool, exposure to pool water can leave eyes dried out or damaged from pool chemicals. Swimming goggles are inexpensive and found at most discount stores – there’s no reason to leave your kids unprotected while they swim!
Take Shade Breaks
We know that it’s tempting to use your free time to lay out in the sun and get a nice tan. However, laying underneath the sun for long periods of time can have adverse effects on our vision, no matter what kind of sunglasses you’re using. Take frequent breaks, and spend plenty of time cooling off in the shade, giving your eyes a break from the direct summer sun!
Get Regular Eye Exams
While it’s not necessary to schedule eye exams specifically for summer, it is necessary to have regular exams throughout the year to ensure problems don’t arise. Regular eye exams should be done every one to two years, depending on your specific needs, and you should consult with your eye care professional about the best ways to keep your eyes safe when the sun is out!
Get Some Sleep
Summer is short-lived, and we want to pack as much into it as we can. However, it’s important not to burn the candle at both ends, as neglecting sleep can lead to eye strain, popped blood vessels, dry eye, and other ocular issues.
