Long sunny days, a splash in the sea, cocktails on the terrace… that’s what summer is all about. Whether you’re travelling somewhere exotic or making the most of things closer to home, it’s important to keep your eyes healthy throughout the summer season. Here are some tips to keep your eyes happy.
Allergy alert
Hay fever affects millions of people across Ireland and Europe, and pollen levels rise significantly during the summer months. Despite all the joys that summer brings, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your symptoms.
If pollen is causing problems with your eyes and nose, try to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible on high-pollen days
- Wash your clothes after being outdoors
- Wear wraparound sunglasses
- Keep windows and doors closed
If you wear contact lenses, make sure to keep up a daily cleaning routine with your recommended solution. This helps prevent allergens from building up on the surface of your lenses. You might also consider switching to daily disposable lenses, which eliminate any risk of contamination or discomfort.
Safety first when swimming
Whether you’re swimming in the sea or splashing about in an inflatable pool with the kids, always protect your eyes by removing your contact lenses first. Prescription swimming goggles will let you enjoy the water without compromising your vision.
If your lenses do come into contact with water, clean and disinfect them with fresh solution to prevent eye infections.
Go easy on the air conditioning
On a sweltering summer day, blasting the air conditioning in your car can feel like a lifesaver. However, keep in mind that air conditioning vents blowing directly at your eyes can cause them to dry out very quickly.
Prolonged exposure can lead to dry eye syndrome, or cause your contact lenses to dislodge, making it unsafe to drive. It’s always a good idea to direct the vents away from your face and make sure you have a spare pair of glasses to hand.
Protect your eyes
We all know the sun emits powerful UV rays that can be extremely damaging to our skin and eyes. Wearing the right sunglasses can significantly increase your protection against them. Wraparound-style sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection are ideal – they not only protect your eyes from direct UV rays, but also offer added protection at the sides against dust and pollen.
Another thing to consider when it comes to UV protection is maintaining good vitamin C intake. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is essential, and citrus fruits rich in vitamin C – such as lemons and oranges – are particularly beneficial.
Stay hydrated
Staying well hydrated is the key to surviving summer – and that goes for everyone, not just contact lens wearers. Our bodies are made up of around 75% water, so it’s always worth topping up your fluids. When it comes to eye health, dry eye syndrome is a common issue during summer, as dry climates, heat, wind, and even altitude all play a role. Aim to drink the recommended 2.5 litres (for men) or 2.0 litres (for women) of fluids each day. Eye sprays and eye drops can also help relieve dryness – always keep the handy travel-size format with you.
Whether you’re spending summer in the back garden or stretched out on a beach, make sure you’re well-equipped and ready to enjoy it. As Benjamin Franklin said: “If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”