How To Protect Your Eyes In The Summer

Eye protection is, of course, something to be considered all year round. But because of the activities we typically engage in during summer, this season presents some specific challenges to the health of our eyes. By far, the greatest increased risk in summer is due to increased sun exposure.

Summer Sun Dangers For Your Vision

Fun in the sun is a summertime tradition, but it comes with some risks for your eyes. Manage those risks by protecting your eyes with the right sunglasses and a hat, preferably one with a wide brim. Not all sunglasses are equally protective. Look for those marked as 100 percent UV protection or as UV 400. The sun's ultraviolet light (two different types, UVA and UVB) can directly damage your cornea, lens, and retina. It can also lead to problems down the road, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and even cancer. You don't have to buy the most expensive designer models, either, as economical sunglasses can offer the same 100 percent protection.

When shopping for glasses, look for wrap-around varieties that also protect from side light. For obvious reasons, a wide-brimmed hat is wise protection. It can also protect face, neck, and to some extent the shoulders, which are some of the skin areas that burn most quickly.

It is also important to remember that the dangerous UV radiation is not filtered out by haze or cloud cover. So you need to wear your protective eyewear consistently when outdoors. And common sense should tell you not to look directly at the sun, either with or without sunglasses.

Other Summer Threats

Lawn mowing and weed eating are obvious sources of flying debris. But any home repair that involves hammering or wood chopping can be just as dangerous. Wear goggles and be safe.

Watching the kids at the pool seems innocent enough, but the sun takes no rest just because you are standing still.  And swimmers are at risk of chemicals that may not have been properly balanced when the pool was treated. Get goggles for the swimmers and 100 percent protection sunglasses for watchers.

Summer activities can be fun as well as safe, instead of sorry. What more could you do to protect your vision? Lavenburg Medical Group is currently running specials on prescription sunglasses at affordable prices.