Protecting your eyes is important no matter the season. Yet, the sun’s rays are strongest in the summer, calling for added precautionary measures. While you know wearing sunglasses reduces the risk of eye disease and complications such as cataracts, here are some additional ways to care for your eyes during the hotter months.

How to Protect Your Eyes This Summer

1. Stay in the Shade

Exposure to direct sunlight can do more damage than sitting in the shade. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer activities, even from a shadowed spot. For example, you can bring an umbrella or tent to the beach to provide overhead protection against the sun’s strongest rays. You can also find tree coverage when enjoying outdoor activities like picnicking or playing with your pet or children. 

2. Protect Your Eyes While Swimming

Chlorine and salt water can irritate the eyes, leading to itchiness. Thus, always keep them closed while swimming to reduce the risk of such irritants. This measure also helps prevent bacteria from reaching and infecting the visual organs.

If you prefer to see while underwater, wear goggles. You should also remove contact lenses before swimming. Otherwise, bacteria can get trapped between the eye’s surface and the lens, potentially resulting in eye disease or infection. 

3. Wear a Hat

Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can help minimize your risk for eye diseases linked to blindness, including age-related macular degeneration. While UV-blocking eyewear is a great place to start, you can also add another layer of defense. A wide-brimmed hat shields your eyes from the sun, too. That way, you’ll still have some protection if you forget or misplace your sunglasses. For the best defense against UV rays, look for a hat with a brim that’s at least 3 inches wide. 

While these strategies can help you keep your visual organs healthy, they’re only one aspect of a comprehensive eye care plan. For complete vision care, visit West Valley Vision Center for regular exams. Serving residents throughout Fairbanks, AK, this center offers routine exams as well as surgery and treatment for eye diseases. Schedule an appointment by calling (907) 479-4700 or sending a message to their team online.