Summertime Eye Safety

In the summer, the sun is shining and the weather is warm. That is why people love to get outside. However, the perks of summer also come with certain dangers. While everyone knows how important it is to protect the skin in the summer, it is also important to protect your eyes. Your eyes are vulnerable to the elements, and the extreme summer weather can be a real hazard. Here are five eye care tips for summer.

Pick the Right Pair of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are the most obvious place to start. Most people have sunglasses to make it easier to see while out and about. However, sunglasses are a critical layer of protection for your eyes. Therefore, make sure you have a pair that is up to the challenge. The sunglasses should provide full UV protection. UV rays are quite strong in the summer, and they do pose a significant risk to your eyes. If you spend a lot of time outside, also look into wraparound lenses that offer comprehensive protection from all sides.

Invest in a Good Hat You Love

You have probably heard people tell you to wear a hat for years. A hat is a great way to protect your skin. Consequently, wearing a hat is also important for eye care. This has to do with the damaging effects of UV light. Sunglasses do provide some protection by filtering out UV rays. However, hats effectively block the rays altogether. This means they provide a better level of protection. As an important note, you should wear hats when it is sunny and when it is cloudy. The clouds may cover the sun, but they do not block UV light. Therefore, your eyes need protection even when the sun is not making you squint.

Make Sure You Have Swim Goggles

Swimming is a great summer pastime. The water is refreshing on a hot day. Unfortunately, the water can also be dangerous for your eyes. Lakes and rivers can be teeming with microorganisms, and the problem is not entirely eliminated in chlorinated pools. The risk of bacteria is very real, which is why you need to keep your eyes safe. The eyes are particularly vulnerable to these kinds of infections. You can help keep your eyes from getting infected when you wear swim goggles. Make sure the goggles fit well, and be sure to wear them at all times. As an added note, do not swim while wearing your contact lenses. Contact lenses leave you more susceptible to infection.

Skip the Indoor Tanning Sessions

This one is probably obvious, but it is worth stating. Indoor tanning is never a good idea. Not only can indoor tanning harm your skin, but it can also hurt your eyes. The levels of UV light that you are exposed to are significant. If you really must spend time in the tanning salon, always wear protective goggles that block the UV light. Sunglasses are not sufficient.

Understand Proper Eye Protection

There are lots of outdoor activities in the summer. Keep eye care in mind for all of them. If you are playing sports, you might need a face guard or a helmet. If you are doing housework, then wear safety goggles. These eye safety measures will keep you going all summer long.