When summer comes, we all need to apply sunscreen regularly to protect our skin. We should also show the same concern for our eyes because UV rays can damage your eyes too. Exposure to UV rays can elevate the risks of having conditions like macular degeneration, the thickness of sclera (white area of your eyes), and cataracts.
Macular degeneration is a serious issue for adults in North America because this condition is a major cause of vision loss in the region. The risk of getting cataracts goes higher too after long exposures to UV-B rays.
Necessary Guidelines to Protect Eyes from the Sun
Here are some tips to keep your eyes safe and smiling during the summer season.
- Sunglasses with Complete UV (Ultraviolet) Protection:Protecting your eyes from UV rays is as essential as protecting your skin. Sunglasses that offer 100% protection against harmful UV rays are the solution. You can find various types of sunglasses that provide this protection, and they are typically not expensive.
- Wash Hands and Avoid Touching Your Eyes: The best way to protect your eyes from eye diseases is to wash your hands frequently. Washing hands can help avoid contracting eye-related conditions like conjunctivitis. You increase the risk of having conjunctivitis when you touch something that someone else already touched after rubbing their eyes.
- Wear Hats:Even after wearing sunglasses, you are eyes and eyelids are not under complete protection from UV rays. The gaps on the sides of the sunglasses can expose your eyes to UV rays. So it would be better if you wear a hat with an edge at least 3 inches wide to provide extra protection. Besides protection, a combination of sunglasses and a hat will look fashionable in the hot summer season.
- Use Eye Drops: There are times when you need to use eye drops to reduce pain or overcome other eye issues and discomfort. These conditions are common after certain eye surgeries and eye treatments. Any eye surgery or treatment can make your eyes sensitive, and in summer, they can be discomforting. However, your eye doctor may recommend a specific eye drop to use in summer before you go out in the sun. You should keep visiting an ophthalmologist for regular checkups and to catch any serious conditions before they occur.
- Eat Healthy and Drink Water: Whatever you eat or drink, it will directly affect your eyes and vision. Several food items are rich in nutrients and minerals, which can improve your vision and prevent you from long-term eyesight problems.Macular degeneration is a common eye condition, but if you add vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E in your daily intake, you can help prevent its symptoms. During a hot summer, you might suffer from dehydration, and it can harm your eyes. To avoid harmful diseases, it is better to eat healthily and drink plenty of water.
As you can see, taking precautions to protect your eyes in summer is not difficult. To protect your eyes and see the beautiful colors of the world without problems, you just need to take simple steps to guard your eyes.
