13th July 2021
3 minute read
Categorised under:
Eye Health

8 essential eye care tips for the summer

Summer is now in full swing, with wonderful hot and sunny weather across the UK, schools soon to break up and the solstice bringing us the longest day of the year.

But with the sunshine comes extra risks to your eyes from UV exposure and other dangers which you may not be aware of, so it’s essential to make sure you practice proper eye care and get the right protection.

Here are some useful tips for eye care in the summer:

UV protection sunglasses
Whenever you’re outside in the sun, it’s important to always wear sunglasses that offer proper UV protection. If your shades don’t offer 100% protection, then chances are that they may be causing more harm than good. It’s a common misconception that sufficient UV protection comes at a higher price, but that’s absolutely not true. Cheaper sunglasses also offer adequate protection against UV rays – just check the information when you’re shopping for your new shades!

Go for larger shades
When looking for a new pair of sunglasses, think big and look for a pair which offer wraparound frames. Such shades have wider lens which means more protection from UV rays and better eye care.

Wear a sun hat or visor
Sunglasses are great as a first line of defence, but it’s always better to go one step further and wear a sun hat or visor for that extra protection and cover from the sunlight.

Wear sport sunglasses during cloudy weather
If your eyes are particularly sensitive to UV light, it can be a good idea to wear sport sunglasses during overcast or cloudy weather, particularly during the summer months. Don’t be deceived by a cloudy or overcast day!

Always keep a second pair
Whether you drop them, sit on them, or lose them, sunglasses are vulnerable to damage like scratches and snapping, or they can simply go missing if not taken care of properly. It’s always a good idea to have a second pair handy, so if one pair breaks, you have a second and are still protected.

Stay hydrated
It’s really important to keep both your skin and eyes hydrated. Drinking around 2 litres of water a day will help prevent dehydration.

Avoid midday sun
Where possible, try and stay inside during the period of later morning and early afternoon. During this time, the sun is at its strongest and UV is at its peak.

Be careful with sun cream
While applying sun cream on your face, try to avoid any contact with the eyes as that may cause irritation. If you do experience any irritation then properly wash your eyes with clean water.

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