Tips for Protecting your Eyes This Summer

By Eye Institute of Houston
May 15, 2016

eye careYour eyes need to serve you for a lifetime. Because vision is something you rely on, and it has never let you down, it can be easy to forget that the care you give your eyes now won't be reflected for many years to come. Here, we will discuss how to protect your eyes from summertime hazards.

  1. UV Protection. We all know that we should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when we go to the beach, the pool, a hike, or anytime we are outdoors. What you may not know is that, just like you can get a sunburn on your skin, you can get a sunburn on your eyes; specifically, on your corneas. This damage is not only very painful, but it also increases the risk that you may develop cataracts or macular degeneration sometime in the future. Look for sunglasses with UVB AND UVA protection. Also, double-up protection when you will be in the sun for several hours. Wear a hat. And remember the kiddos and their eye care needs, as well.
  2. Flying object Protection. If you were working in a woodshop or chopping down a large tree, you would probably wear goggles. This principle applies to many home projects that you may not think of. For instance, if you have a little one who likes to hang out nearby while you mow the lawn, he or she needs a quality pair of goggles. Why? Because that rock that shoots out from beneath the mower is a lot more likely to fly sideways than up! Building? Cutting? Sawdust floating through the air can get into your eye and cause quite the problem. Avoid the stress and mandatory time-out. Wear goggles.
  3. There are several ways in which chemicals can cause eye irritation. Usually, the summertime culprit is an imbalance in chlorine and other chemicals in pool water. The good news is that irritation from pool water doesn't usually cause a great deal of discomfort, and it doesn't usually affect eye health. However, children who spend a good amount of time in the pool could benefit from swimming goggles. We certainly can't be expected to wear goggles while using chemical cleaners around the house. However, it is important to know what to do in the event a small speck of cleaner gets in your eye. Read labels!

The Eye Institute of Houston offers personal care for optimal eye health. Schedule your visit at 713.668.7337.

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