Summer is a beloved time of the year, filled with beach trips, outdoor festivals, and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. However, amidst the excitement of summer activities, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, particularly when it comes to protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Ophthalmologists stress that the summer season brings heightened risks to eye health due to increased exposure to UV rays. A seemingly innocent outing to the beach can quickly result in conditions like solar keratopathy or “surfer’s eye.” This can have long-term consequences such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer — with 5-10% of the latter occurring on the eyelids.
Thankfully, there are various ways we can safeguard our eyes against sun damage during the warmer months.
Use eye-safe makeup
Using makeup during the summer months requires careful consideration to ensure both beauty and safety. Makeup products, especially those with creamy or oily textures, can melt in hot weather, increasing the risk of contamination and irritation if they drip into your eyes. For instance, our previous article noted how using makeup primers in hot weather is possible but not recommended, particularly when skin issues are prevalent. Instead, opt for lightweight options like gel primers, skin tints, and light balms. Products like the e.l.f. Stay Cool primer stick, or the Milk Cooling Water Jelly Tints are great summertime makeup options as they refresh the skin without piling or melting, which can irritate the eyes.
Wear quality sunglasses
Sunglasses are essential accessories for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but not all shades are created equal. Look for lenses with 100% UV protection to ensure adequate shielding from harmful rays. For those with refractive errors, consider a prescription as well. Many brands offer prescription sunglasses in their most famous models, from Oakley’s Holbrook to Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer. These ensure a convenient and stylish vision correction solution while engaging in sunny outdoor activities. Additionally, lens factors such as tint and polarization should be considered to reduce glare that can hurt the eyes and impair visual acuity.
Don a sun hat
A quality sun hat is made out of lightweight material and typically boasts UPF50+ fabric. This helps provide an additional layer of defense against UV rays, especially on days when the sun’s intensity is stronger. As such, pairing sunglasses with a sun hat is a smart strategy for maximizing eye protection. You can easily find affordable sun hat options on Amazon, from Furtalk’s Panama Hat to Scala Women’s Raffia Lifeguard Hat, or you can opt to purchase from more established brands like Solbari. Whether it’s a straw hat for a beach outing or a wide-brimmed hat for a day in the park, incorporating this accessory into your summer wardrobe can help safeguard your eyes from harmful UV exposure.
Stay hydrated
With decreased moisture in the summer air, our eyes may need to produce more tears to compensate, leading to discomfort and irritation. This can easily exacerbate dry eyes, which affects over 16 million Americans today. That is why it’s crucial to prioritize drinking water regularly. Staying hydrated helps replenish lost fluids and supports tear production, keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. To make hydration easier, keep a reusable water bottle with you. Companies like Stanley and Aqua Flask offer a variety of water containers that can keep your drink clean and cold for hours at a time.
By following these essential tips, you can protect your eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays and ensure clear vision throughout the season. Incorporate these practices into your summer routine to keep your eyes healthy and happy for years to come.
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