5 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes During the Summer Months

Taking care of your eye health during the summer is essential, even though it is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors and soak up the sun. Your eyes are susceptible to damage from prolonged sun exposure, swimming in chlorinated pools, and engaging in water sports. 

So, it is best to safeguard your eye health to enjoy your summertime activities without worrying about your vision. Some of the tips for maintaining healthy eyes during the summer months include the following:

Stay Hydrated

Water consumption is essential for maintaining eye health and general health. Dry eyes can result from dehydration, which can be uncomfortable and impair vision. It will keep your eyes well hydrated and lower your risk of developing dry eyes if you consume at least eight glasses of water daily.

Take Screen Breaks

The summer is a wonderful time to spend outside and in nature. Your eyes experience exposure to blue light from the numerous electronic devices you use daily, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. That can lead to eyestrain, fatigue, and dry eyes. 

It is best to take regular breaks from screens, look away every 20 minutes, and blink frequently. A good rule to follow is the 20-20-20 rule. It states to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds once every 20 minutes.

Be Wary Around Water

Although boating, jet skiing, and other water sports can be lots of fun, they can also be hazardous to your eyes. The sun's bright reflection on the water can cause glare and eyestrain. Also, flying debris, such as water and sand, can injure the eyes. While participating in summertime activities, wearing safety goggles or a mask can help keep your eyes safe.

It is also crucial to shield your eyes from chlorine and other chemicals if you intend to spend time in a swimming pool. Swim goggles can help lower the risk of infection while also acting as a barrier to keep these chemicals out of your eyes. Additionally, they are a fantastic way to avoid misplacing or damaging your contact lenses.

Eat Eye-friendly Foods

Your diet can significantly influence the health of your eyes. You can lower your risk of developing eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration by eating foods high in vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens, berries, nuts, and eggs are some foods that are especially good for the eyes. 

High concentrations of zeaxanthin and lutein can help shield your eyes from damage brought on by UV rays and blue light. You can find these minerals in leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Vitamin C, which functions as an antioxidant to protect the eyes, is an excellent source of nutrition in berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

Wear Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is the easiest and most practical way to shield our eyes from the sun's harmful rays. While outdoors, UV rays can harm the retina. That can result in cataracts and age-related macular degeneration development. Choose sunglasses with polarized lenses to lessen glare and 100 percent UV protection. They shield your eyes and can add style to your outfit by making a statement.

Conclusion

You can reduce the time you require specialized eye care by practicing preventative eye care during the sweltering summer months. If you notice anything unusual with your eyes or vision, it is imperative to have your eyes checked.

For more eye health tips, visit Merrick Avenue Optometry. Call 516-200-0241 to schedule an appointment today.