Summertime, and the living’s easy… Except for your eyes! While our focus is on sunshine and swimming pools, did you know your eyes can get sunburned too? We’re pretty sure you don’t want to be rubbing aloe on your shoulders… And eyes!
So, what can you do to protect your eyes from the summer sun?
- Not all sunglasses are created equal. You’ll want a pair with lenses that block at least 98% of ultraviolet radiation. There are three kinds of UV rays, classified by their heat intensity: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
- UV-C rays have the most potential to harm our bodies. Thankfully, the OZONE layer blocks most of these rays and protects us from this intense form of radiation.
- Avoid eye sunburn. Unfiltered UV light can cause instant pain and a lot of issues for your vision further down the road. Photokeratitis is the technical term for a sunburn of the eyes and comes from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Here are some other quick tips for eye safety in the summer:
- Always wear sunglasses when outside, even if it’s for a few minutes.
- If you enjoy swimming, be sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes. The chlorine in pools, salt in the ocean, and debris in interior waterways can do some damage.
- Believe it or not, too much time around an air conditioner can dry your eyes out. Consider taking it easy on the AC and using eye drops to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Limit outdoor time during the peak hours of 10am-2pm when the sun is at it’s strongest.
- Blink more! Blinking is your body’s natural way of keeping your eyes moist and protected.
- If you’re planning in spending extended time in a car this summer, make sure you aim the A/C vents away from your eyes.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sand and water. Both can magnify the sun’s power!
Enjoy your summer by practicing ocular optimization! Want more info? Contact us!
Source: 2020institute