July is the month when summer is in full swing, the sunshine is usually less shy. With holidays on the cards, it’s the perfect time to make the most of these precious days. While you’re enjoying the summer fun don’t forget to take good care of your eyes too. We’ve compiled a quick list of 5 easy to follow family eyecare tips to help keep you looking sharp and your eyes healthy this season.
1.Shades on
Wearing a quality pair of UV protection sunglasses is probably the easiest and most effective way of protecting your eyes this summer. While the sun is responsible for all life on Earth, it also causes damage with ultraviolet (UV) radiation to our eyes and surrounding skin. UV radiation can damage the surface tissues of the eyes as well as the cornea and lens. It can also increase the risk of sight-threatening eye diseases developing such as cataracts and AMD (Macular Degeneration).
Wearing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection or are labelled UV400 will help create a barrier between the sun and your eyes ensuring they are protected from any damage. Encouraging this habit in your children at a young age is also super important as it is estimated that 80% of UV damage occurs before the age of 18! When you reach for sunscreen for UV protection, don’t forget the sunglasses too!
2. Goggle up
While you’re enjoying a delightful summer holiday by the pool, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential exposure of your eyes to harmful pool chemicals and bacteria. This exposure can cause discomfort, leaving your eyes feeling itchy and red. However, there’s a solution! Non-prescription and prescription swimming goggles not only shield your eyes from these hazards but also ensure clear vision for a pleasant swimming experience. Stay safe and swim carefree!
3. Eye Drops
No matter what we do, sometimes our eyes become dry. It could be due to humidity, weather, and environmental factors. That’s where eyedrops come in handy. They provide instant lubrication to help relieve dry eyes and the accompanying symptoms. Keeping a bottle of eyedrops to hand ensures comfort and hydration wherever you are. If you’re a contact lens wearer, it’s best to double-check which eyedrops you can use so feel free to reach out to us for recommendations.
4. A Dig Hat
You’ll often hear this recommended – because it truly helps. Choosing a wide-brimmed hat won’t just help keep you cool, it helps shield your neck and face from powerful UV rays, and it also gives your eyes that extra bit of much-needed shade. In fact, a wide-brimmed hat or cap will block out about half of the UV rays your eyes are exposed to!
5. Keeping up-to-Date
We will always recommend that you have regular eye examinations, and as for most health issues, it can make a world of difference catching problems early on. Our vision is of such importance, and we want all our patients to enjoy this summer and many more to come!
Please get in touch with our friendly team at your local opticians in Pinner for further advice or eye care questions.