Summer Eye Safety

Summer is in full swing – and that means enjoying sun-soaked days filled with swimming, the beach, sports and other outdoor activities. Summer fun and festivities can put inconvenient demands on your eyes – especially if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. It is important to keep eye safety in mind during the summer months. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your summer while protecting the health of your eyes and vision:

Sun Protection – One of the most important things you can do for your eyes is to wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Sunglasses with wraparound frames are not only fashionable, they provide your eyes with maximum protection from sun damage. Be sure your sunglasses are expressly labeled with 100% UV protection. Add a wide-brimmed hat for a stylish look and extra protection.

Protection in the Water – Protect your eyes from swimming pool chemicals and the dangerous bacteria that can be found in natural bodies of water and oceans by wearing swim goggles. Make sure your goggles have UV protection because  the sun will reflect off the water and increase your UV exposure. Swim goggles protect the eyes from chlorine and other chemicals in a swimming pool, and bacteria and debris when swimming in an ocean or a lake. These elements that are present in the water can irritate the eyes or even cause an eye condition to develop. If you are a contact lens wearer, it’s important to remove contact lenses before going into the water because they can trap bacteria and microorganisms in your eye and cause infections.  

Traveling – Summer can be a great time to take a trip. If you rely on glasses or contact lenses to see well, you’ll need to add all those supplies to your packing list. Make sure you have your prescription glasses and sunglasses – and perhaps a backup pair for emergencies. Include plenty of contact lens solution, drops and an extra, fresh case if you wear contacts.

Getting in the Game – If you are athletically inclined, you may not be surprised to learn that over 40,000 sports-related eye injuries are reported every year. Common injuries include blunt trauma, corneal abrasion and detached retina. Most of these injuries can be prevented by wearing appropriate protective eyewear. To learn more about summer eye safety, contact Medical Eye Center at 541-779-4711 or www.medicaleyecenter.com.

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