With the summer heat still in full swing and summer vacations here, most of us remember to protect our skin from the sun by using sunscreen but we rarely remember to protect our eyes. Here are some tips on how to manage your contact lenses before autumn comes.
To start off, always protect your eyes when you are out in the sun. The sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays can be damaging to more than just your skin and it is critical to wear proper sunglasses when you’re outside in the bright summer sun. For those who do not want to wear sunglasses, contacts with UV protection are an alternative. Although not as protective as a pair of sunglasses, they at least provide some protection from the UV rays.
Along with the summer sun comes swimming in an ocean, pool, lake or river. Water from any of these sources can contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate your eyes. In addition, chlorine from the pool, along with many other chemicals, can cause problems with your contacts. In addition, water in your eye may cause the contacts to slip and fall out. Always be wary when you are around water and check to make sure your contacts stay in place. An easy solution to avoid these problems is to wear goggles any time water is in the equation.
Sometimes during the hot summer there is nothing more that you want to do than sit in front of the blasting air conditioning on the car ride home from work or the pool. This issue is that this air blowing directly into your eyes can have adverse effects on your contact lenses. They will dry them out and make your lenses uncomfortable and more importantly, irritating and defective. Avoiding this direct air flow can keep your eyes and contacts better moisturized and effective.
Summertime is all about fun and games but do not have all your fun at the expense of your eyes or your contacts. Be sure to protect your contact lenses as complications with your contacts can lead to further complications with your vision. If you have any worries or questions about something going on with your vision, talk to your eye care professional to determine the correct course of action as quickly as possible.