How to Keep Your Eyes Safe & Healthy This Summer

Summer means baseball games, beach days and outdoor fun. But before you fill your calendar, make sure you are keeping your eye health in mind. The sunnier days ahead also have the potential for increased eye risks including UV exposure, dehydration, eye injuries and more. Learn what preventative steps you can take this season to keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy.

1. Don’t Skip the Sunglasses
   Exposure to UV rays can burn the surface of your eyes resulting in pain, redness, and blurry vision. Over time this exposure can seriously harm your vision and increase your risk for eye diseases such as eye cancer and macular degeneration. To avoid these injuries, make sure you are wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays anytime you are outside. For additional protection, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.


2. Wear Safety Eyewear When Playing Sports
   Protective sports eyewear helps to prevent sudden impact to the eye such as from a ball or elbow. It is important to note that regular eyeglasses do not provide enough protection against such injuries, but instead you should opt for safety eyewear options such as sports safety goggles, face guards or helmets. Check with your Shopko Optical optometrist to see what safety eyewear options are appropriate for your sport.


3. Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals
   Fireworks can result in permanent eye damage and in some cases vision loss. The best way to avoid such injuries is to not handle fireworks at all, but instead attend a public firework display hosted by professionals.


4. Always Wear Goggles When Swimming
   Chlorine and contaminants from pools and other bodies of water can be particularly irritating to your eyes and may result in infections or other vision problems. Keep your vision healthy and comfortable by wearing goggles to protect your eyes from irritants and floating particles while swimming. Additionally, always remember to remove your contact lenses before coming into contact with any form of water, as they can attract unwanted bacteria and increase your risk of developing an eye infection.


5. Stay Hydrated
   The increase in temperature and humidity during the summer can increase your risk of dehydration. When you get dehydrated your eyes are more susceptible to developing conditions such as dry eye, eye strain and more. To avoid dehydration, try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day.


6. Wear Protective Eyewear When Working Around the House
   During the summer you may be spending more time doing activities outside like mowing the lawn, tending the garden, or completing projects around the house. Wearing safety eyewear during these activities can protect your eyes from harmful hazards such as flying debris, pesticides, sharp gardening tools and more.

While enjoying the warm weather and summer activities, the last thing you want to worry about is treating an eye injury or sudden change in vision. Taking preventative measures such as wearing sunglasses and safety eyewear, staying hydrated and avoiding fireworks can greatly decrease your risk for eye infections and injuries. However, if you are experiencing prolonged vision issues or eye irritation, don’t hesitate to see your Shopko Optical optometrist so they can assess your symptoms and advise a personalized treatment plan accordingly.