Protecting Your Eyes from Summer Hazards
With longer days and plenty of outdoor activities, summer is a time to enjoy the sunshine, explore nature, and dive into water sports. However, it also brings a unique set of risks for your eyes. Whether it’s UV exposure, sand irritation, or chlorine from pools, summer fun can take a toll on your vision if you’re not careful.
Your eyes are among the most delicate parts of your body, and even minor irritation can cause discomfort. If you’ve ever had an eyelash stuck in your eye, you know how frustrating it can be—not to mention the panic that comes with not being able to see clearly! Now imagine that irritation amplified by sun damage, chemicals, or debris from outdoor activities.
To keep your eyes safe and healthy all summer long, it’s important to understand common seasonal hazards and how to protect yourself.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Summer Irritants
Taking a few simple precautions can help prevent summer-related eye problems. Here’s what to watch out for and how to stay protected:
1. Sunlight & UV Exposure
Just like your skin, your eyes can get sunburned. In fact, they are even more sensitive due to their ability to focus light directly onto the retina. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to corneal burns, cataracts, and even long-term vision damage.
How to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you’re outside. This applies to all family members, including kids!
- Consider polarized lenses to reduce glare from water, sand, and pavement.
- Avoid staring directly at the sun—even during solar eclipses or while wearing sunglasses.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
2. Sand & Wind Irritation
A trip to the beach or park can be refreshing, but sand in your eyes is a real problem. If sand gets stuck, it can scratch your cornea, leading to irritation and discomfort. Windy days can also carry dust and debris that may cause dryness and irritation.
How to prevent sand-related eye irritation:
- Wear sunglasses with wraparound protection to shield your eyes from airborne debris.
- Never rub your eyes if sand gets in them—it could make things worse. Instead, use sterile eye drops or rinse your eyes with clean water.
3. Pool Chemicals & Chlorine Exposure
Red, itchy eyes after a swim? Chlorine and other pool chemicals can strip away the protective tear film, leading to dryness and irritation.
How to reduce chlorine irritation:
- Wear swimming goggles to keep pool water out of your eyes.
- Take frequent breaks from the pool to let your eyes recover.
- Rinse your eyes with sterile, optometrist-recommended eye drops after swimming.
4. Lake & River Water
Swimming in lakes, rivers, and oceans exposes your eyes to bacteria, algae, and debris. Opening your eyes underwater increases the risk of eye infections and irritation.
How to protect your eyes in natural water:
- Wear swim goggles to prevent exposure to bacteria and contaminants.
- Avoid swimming with contact lenses, as they can trap bacteria against your eye and increase infection risk.
- Rinse your eyes thoroughly after swimming in open water.
5. Sports-Related Eye Injuries
Summer sports like soccer, baseball, cycling, and beach volleyball can put your eyes at risk. A flying ball, stray elbow, or unexpected fall could lead to serious eye injuries, corneal scratches, or even retinal damage.
How to stay safe while playing sports:
- Wear protective sports goggles if you’re playing contact sports or activities with fast-moving objects.
- Look for impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses, which provide strong protection.
- Never ignore eye injuries—see an optometrist immediately if you experience pain, blurred vision, or swelling after an accident.
6. Fireworks & Sparklers
Fireworks and sparklers may be fun, but they are also one of the leading causes of summer eye injuries. Hot embers, sparks, and explosions can lead to serious burns and permanent vision loss.
How to protect your eyes around fireworks:
- Keep a safe distance from fireworks and never attempt to relight one that didn’t ignite properly.
- Avoid sparklers—they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe burns if they come into contact with your face.
- Always supervise children around fireworks and sparklers.
When in Doubt, Visit Your Local Optometrist!
If you experience eye irritation, redness, discomfort, or vision changes this summer, don’t ignore it. Some issues, like scratched corneas or infections, require professional treatment to prevent long-term damage.
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we can help you choose the best protective eyewear for your summer adventures, whether it’s UV-blocking sunglasses, prescription swim goggles, or sports eyewear. We also offer eye exams in Edmonton to ensure your vision stays in top shape year-round.
Book an appointment today at one of our convenient locations, or fill out our online contact form to learn more about summer eye care solutions. Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and keep your eyes protected this summer!
