Summertime eye health advice: 12 must-know eye care trends to shield your eyes from the intense heat
See if you can keep your eyes cool and safe this summer by following these inclusive trends in eye care.
The majority of us take extended summer vacations and enjoy spending our leisure time outside, but even for those of us who don’t pack up our boots, the season necessitates extra eye care because we spend so much time outside in the harsh sunlight, when UV rays are at their strongest. Our eyes are the organ most exposed to the intense summer heat, aside from our skin.
Dr. Jay Goyal, director of Surya Eye Hospital, LASIK and retina specialist, and eye surgeon, claimed that if safety measures are not followed, our eyes are vulnerable to–
1. allergies of the eyes
2. Experiencing dry eyes
3. Infections of the eyes, such as conjunctivitis and stye.
He said that dry eye can result in burning, irritation, light sensitivity, and overall discomfort; therefore, he offered some advice on how to protect your eyes during the summer:
1. Sunglasses with UV protection: UV radiation can result in dry eyes and photokeratitis. Sunlight’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can hasten the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other age-related issues. Put on sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation and offer 100% UV protection. Even on overcast days, wear sunglasses while you’re outside.
2. Wear visors or hats/caps: Wearing wide-brimmed hats, caps, or visors helps protect your eyes from direct sunlight in addition to sunglasses. By doing this, you can lessen the quantity of UV rays that could harm your eyes.
3. One of the most common causes of dry eye is prolonged screen use. Our eyes are vulnerable to dry eye by the summertime. As a result, cutting down on screen time or taking regular breaks when using screens can help prevent dry eyes.
4. Artificial tears: Lubricating eye drops are a great way to relieve already-dry eyes and prevent more from happening. Speaking with your local eye doctor is quite beneficial as they can prescribe eye drops based on the severity of your dry eye condition.
5. Although it’s the most enjoyable summertime activity, swimming can lead to eye issues. Chlorine treatments are used in many pools, which may irritate eyes. Thus, when swimming, it’s best to wear eye goggles at all times. To ensure that eyes are clean and healthy after swimming, one must wash and rinse their eyes with fresh water.
Dr. Shachi Joshi, an ophthalmologist in Mumbai, added some more comprehensive eye care trends to the list of summertime eye care advice that can assist keep your eyes cool and safe:
1. Stay hydrated: Children, in particular, are susceptible to dehydration during the heat. To stay hydrated, it’s critical to consume liquids on a regular basis, including water. Staying well-hydrated contributes to keeping our eyes bright.
2. Make the most of the abundance of fresh produce that summer has to offer. Specifically, foods high in carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin—which shield your eyes from harm and degeneration—include leafy greens (spinach, arugula, and kale), tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and zucchini.
3. Steer clear of fans or direct air conditioning: Even though we depend on air conditioners to stay cool throughout the summer, we still need to take precautions to avoid getting dry eyes from the air hitting our face or eyes directly.
4. Sleep deprivation causes dry, stinging eyes. It also results in further health problems. Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health.
5. We frequently experience eye itching throughout the summer. Hand hygiene is important because it prevents infections of the eyes, such as stye, conjunctivitis, etc. Youngsters are particularly vulnerable to this.
6. It’s crucial to wash your hands often, especially in the heat.
7. Steer clear of the midday sun.
Try to avoid going outside as much as you can, especially in the later morning and afternoon when the sun is at its strongest and the UV rays are at their strongest. Wearing polarized lenses can help you reduce glare if you must go outside.
