Our eyes are our windows to the world around us, yet they are also susceptible to many threats that could damage our vision health. Now that the hotter, sunnier weather is here, the risk for eye damage increases during the summertime. If you’re like most people, you’ll be spending a lot more time outdoors in and around Round Rock and going on fun vacations this summer. There are several precautions you’ll want to consider to protect your eyes and maintain the health of your eyes. At Round Rock Eye Consultants, our priority is helping you achieve and maintain optimal vision health. Below are simple yet effective ways that you can protect your eyes every day this summer, without interfering with your summer adventures.

1. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

One of the most important steps you can take in protecting your vision is to shade your eyes from harmful UV rays of the sun. Like skin, the eyes are at risk of sun damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Wearing sunglasses with complete UV protection is the most obvious way to protect our eyes from both UVA and UVB exposure. UVA and UVB can cause such conditions as photokeratitis (sun blindness). There are many affordable and efficient brands with 100 percent UV coverage. Along with wearing sunglasses, simply throwing on a wide-brimmed hat can help protect your eyes, face, and head from sun exposure.

2. Protect Your Eyes at the Pool or Beach

If you’re like most people in Texas, you’ll be cooling off at the pool. As just mentioned, it’s important to protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses, but did you know that the sun’s reflection that bounces off of the water can also harm your eyes? It might seem like the sun’s reflective glares that can temporarily obstruct your vision are harmless, but repeated exposure to bright glares can cause long term damage to your eyes. Be sure to keep your shades on while lounging by the pool.

You’ll also want to be mindful of chlorine exposure. While pool water is treated with chlorine to help protect us from germs, the powerful chemical also irritates the eyes, causing redness and burning that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, in more severe cases. It’s best to protect your and your children’s eyes by wearing goggles. Some goggles even have UV lenses for double protection. Remember, this advice applies to all bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans, each of which contain different bacteria.

3. Protect Your Eyes While Outdoors

Summer is a great time to garden or work in the yard, which means you’ll be exposing your eyes to debris, pollens, and sharp yard tools. While sunglasses will help protect your eyes, safety goggles offer even better protection while working in the yard. The great thing about goggles is they completely cover your eyes and eye sockets, not only protecting your eyeballs, but also the sensitive areas around your eyes. To simply minimize exposure to pollens and other irritants that trigger runny, itchy eyes, wearing sunglasses alone can help. Keeping eye drops handy may offer some temporary relief when gardening or working outside. If you experience severe eye irritation when working or playing outdoors, talk with Dr. Joseph Meyer, our award winning eye doctor at Round Rock.

At Round Rock Eye Consultants, we want our patients to have a fun and safe summer while also maintaining the best possible eye health. Keep in mind that the best way to achieve optimum vision health is by scheduling regular visits and eye exams. Please feel free to call us with any questions you have or if you’d like to schedule an exam. Enjoy your summer!