Summer Eye Protection Tips
Summer is a great time to play in the warm sun but the season can pose a danger to your eyes. There are 1,300 fireworks-related eye injuries throughout the United States during the month surrounding the Fourth of July, for example. In 2010, sparklers alone accounted for 1,200 of those eye injuries.
Other hazards can cause eye injuries and vision problems in the summer, including the sun’s powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays, beach sand, and other debris. Fortunately, you can protect your eyes with these special tips from your eye doctor.
Optometrist in Maple Ridge Suggests These Five Tips to Protect Your Eyes This Summer
Our optometrist in Maple Ridge recommends these five tips to protect your eyes while you have fun in the summer sun.
- Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection. Most provide protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays but some filter out ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Sunglasses should fit close to your face – wraparound sunglasses are best.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your eyes any time you expect prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Do not wear contact lenses while swimming. Wearing your contact lenses while swimming can lead to bacterial contamination of your eye, resulting in eye infection, irritation and even the potential for serious vision conditions, such as corneal ulcer.
- Update your eyeglass prescription to transition lenses or polarized lenses to protect your eyes on sunny days.
- Wear safety glasses or other serious eye protection when doing home projects. Summer is the best season for doing odd jobs, including mowing, chopping wood, removing excess brush, construction, and other big chores. Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris, sawdust, rocks, grit and other projectiles.
Protect your eyes and your vision this summer. For more information about summer eye protection, contact your optometrist in Maple Ridge. Our eye doctor is always glad to provide a few tips to keep your vision sharp and clear this summer and all year long.
Have you already taken any steps this summer to protect your eyes and the eyes of your children?