Keep your eyes healthy and fresh during summer
We all like to make the most of sunny days in the UK – after all, we never know when we’ll get another one.
For those who aren’t willing to take a gamble on the British weather, there’s always a holiday abroad.
However, the summer months can take their toll on the eyes. Sun, sea, chlorine and pollen are just some of the things that can lead to irritation of the eye and in some cases long term damage.
Dr Susan Blakeney, Clinical Adviser at the College of Optometrists, says: “Summer can wreak havoc on the eyes - from the increased exposure to sunlight, to coping with the hay fever season, contact lenses at festivals and being able to see in swimming pools. However there are a few simple steps people can follow to ensure their eyes don’t suffer during the warmer months. For more information we recommend visiting www.lookafteryoureyes.org or for further advice visit your local optometrist – the eye expert on the high street.”
To help people look after their eye health during the warm summer months the College of Optometrists has put together the following advice:
Eye protection on sunny days
Sunlight may damage the retina and the lens of the eye, potentially leading to conditions such as cataracts so it’s important to wear good quality sunglasses when it is sunny, whether that’s in summer or in winter.
- Buy good quality sunglasses - good sunglasses don’t need to be expensive: you can purchase perfectly adequate protective sunglasses from high street stores. Look out for glasses carrying the "CE" Mark and British Standard BS EN 1836:2005, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. Prescription sunglasses are available to all prescriptions and can be made up as single vision, bifocal or varifocal specs.
- Don’t forget your kids - it’s important to protect your children’s eyes when they are outside as they are still developing and may be more susceptible to the UV radiation because of their larger pupils and lenses.
Hay fever:
For many people, summer is also synonymous with the hay fever season, as sufferers face symptoms including itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, runny or blocked nose and difficulty in breathing. Exposure to pollen may also set off an allergic reaction, leaving eyes swollen and weepy.
- Avoid pollen as much as possible by closing windows and keeping surfaces clear with a damp duster
- Wear sunglasses which may help to protect your eyes from dust and pollen
- Visit your pharmacist to get medicated eye drops to help alleviate the itching and swelling. If you wear contact lenses remember to check if you can use the drops while your lenses are in
- Wear your spectacles rather than your contact lenses when the pollen count is especially high.
Summer sports:
Summer holidays are a great chance to try out new outdoor activities, such as water-sports. Whether you’re swimming, sailing or scuba diving, it’s important that you take precautions to protect your eyes.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes when in the water, as chlorine can irritate the eyes and may cause redness
- Do not swim wearing contact lenses, and always remove your lenses before showering or using a hot tub because there are bugs in the water which may lead to a particularly nasty eye infection: wearing contact lenses increases the risk of contracting such an infection. If you are a contact lens or spectacle wearer, prescription swimming goggles are available for a modest cost.
Outdoor living:
Camping can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, at summer festivals or just for fun with friends and family. For contact lens wearers, it can be tricky to keep up hygiene levels for contact lens care but these tips will help: Always wash your hands before you put your contact lenses in your eyes
- Use the contact lens solutions that are recommended by your contact lens practitioner – never use tap water, the wrong solution, or lick them
- If you wear re-usable contact lenses, make sure you clean and disinfect them with the recommended contact lens solution between uses and clean them thoroughly if they drop on the floor
- If you have difficulty keeping your contact lens care routine whilst camping, consider wearing your spectacles instead or even trying daily disposable contact lenses for holidays so that you don’t have to worry about contact lens solutions whilst you are away.
Femalefirst
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