Everyone loves the summertime. Between backyard BBQs, hanging on the beach, and family picnics, people spend plenty of time in the sun during the summer months. However, everyone should be mindful of the dangers that the sun presents, especially to your eyes. Here are some tips to help you and your family enjoy the summer safely.
Your eyes can be sunburned.
Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays can burn your eyes just as with your skin. After spending hours in the sun, if your eyes are watery, itchy, especially sensitive to light, or dried and gritty, then your eyes have likely been sunburned. These symptoms tend to appear a few hours after sun exposure. People with blue eyes are particularly susceptible to ocular UV damage, and individuals who take certain drugs, like chlorothiazides, sulfonamides, tetracycline, phenothiazines, psoralens, and allopurinol, should take extra caution because they are also more likely to sustain harm from the sun. Sunburns and over exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and potentially even cancer within the eye. Even if the clouds are out, UV-A and UV-B rays can still penetrate and cause damage. Also, be wary of reflective surfaces like water and sand. This terrain magnifies the sun’s power. If you think your eyes have been sunburned, don’t wait – see a doctor as soon as possible.
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Wear sunglasses.
Although a hat or visor can provide much needed shade to your eyes, the best way to prevent sunburns and other UV damage is to wear sunglasses. But choose your sunglasses carefully. Only glasses with UV protection will give your eyes the shielding they need. When picking sunglasses, look for those with 97 to 100 percent UV blockage. The color of the lens does not influence the UV protection rating; so, darker lenses do not automatically have greater UV blockage than lighter ones. The UV protection coating placed on lenses goes on clear. Select the lens color that you prefer, but double check that the sunglasses provide the appropriate UV protection. However, those who have color vision problems may want to consider purchasing gray lenses, as they help to clarify your vision, especially while driving. Also, more expensive sunglasses do not necessarily block more UV rays. Just as with different colored lenses, be sure to check the UV protection rating. Try to choose lenses that sit close to your face or wrap around to prevent rays from coming in from the sides of your glasses. If you wear UV blocking contact lenses, do not simply rely on them to protect your eyes. Wearing sunglasses throughout the year will block harmful UV rays from damaging your eyes. Polarizers and anti-reflective coatings can be added to any lens to decrease glare. Most sunglasses within the United States provide enough coverage, but always check to be sure. Consider wearing a hat along with your sunglasses to provide the best level of protection.
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Be wary of the peak sun times.
UV light is at its strongest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. During this period, your eyes (as well as your skin) are more susceptible to sunburns. Also, be careful in high altitudes, where the atmosphere is thinner and UV rays penetrate more easily. Stay indoors as much as possible during these hours.
Don’t forget about the children.
Make sure your kids are wearing sunglasses and staying out of the sun during peak hours as well. If children get sand in their eyes, ensure they don’t rub any of the sand into them. This could cause a corneal abrasion, which could have long lasting consequences for their vision. Also, if you or your children are playing sports, wear protective goggles. Choose ones made from polycarbonate as these sustain the highest levels of impact without breaking. Even if you already wear glasses, goggles are needed. Glasses do not secure to the head in the way that goggles do and may even cause greater injury to the eyes.
Although the summer sun can be dangerous, it can provide thousands of cherished memories. As long as you and your loved ones take the appropriate precautions, you can look forward to a long, happy summer, full of outdoor fun.
