If you are like many other people, spending more time outdoors during the summer is common. Not only are schedules more flexible when the kids are out of school, but there are a variety of summer activities that you can enjoy.
As you are preparing for outdoor fun and adventure, make sure you are proactive about summer safety. Whether swimming, surfing, water skiing, hiking, sailing, or scuba diving, you need to be proactive about protecting your eyes.
Follow these essential tips to protect your eyes and maintain your eyesight this summer:
There is a lot of conversation about how the sun’s UV rays can harm the skin. But did you know that UV rays can also be equally as damaging to the eyes? When your eyes are exposed to the sun’s rays, it can increase the risk of common eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
The simple solution is to make sure you are always wearing sunglasses when spending time outside. If you have normal vision, then you can wear regular sunglasses. Or, if you wear prescription lenses, consider sunglasses with your prescription built in.
The key is to make sure that the sunglass lenses are high quality and offer UV protection. Cheap sunglasses might look good, but they don’t offer the benefits of higher-quality lenses. Look for a label that says “100 percent UV protection,” which means they block both UVA and UVB rays.
Even if it’s cloudy outside, you still need to protect your eyes since the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds. Don’t be fooled by the brightness – always wear sunglasses outside during the day.
Next, consider how your eyes could be potentially injured because of the summer activities you enjoy. Swimming goggles can help reduce the risk of infection and contamination of the eyes when participating in water sports. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to have good goggles fit to avoid water leaking.
Invest in a good pair of sports goggles for action or adventure activities that will minimize objects from hitting and damaging your eyes. These goggles can help to avoid common sports injuries from contact with balls, fingers, grass, dirt, and other debris. Consider daily contacts that can be thrown away after swimming to avoid potential contamination.
Consider these other eye safety tips:
In addition to following these summer tips, you can also benefit from a personalized consultation with an experienced eye doctor. Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry to book your appointment: (951) 302 -1331.