Shades of Summer: Tips to Keep Your Eyes Safe during a Beach Vacation

As the sun beats down with its intense rays during the summer months, the scorching heat and the allure of the great outdoors tempt people to indulge in various activities like swimming, hiking and picnicking. However, while enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, it's important to remember that spending too much time outdoors during the summer months can tax your eyes. Prolonged exposure to sun, sand, and water can cause eye discomfort, including redness, itching, and fatigue. So, to help you understand how to protect your eyes, here are some useful tips.

1. Stay safe in the sun
Summer is a nightmare for your eye health, as the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have damaging effects on your eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is associated with the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, which can result in significant long-term eye damage. The key to protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays is to invest in high-quality sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection. Additionally, sunglasses with polarized lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces, making it easier to see and reducing eye strain.

2. Tips to protect eyes from sand
Participating in outdoor activities, such as beach trips, can pose potential risks to your eyesight. Of particular concern is the presence of sand, which can be a major hazard to your eyes. The abrasive nature of sand particles can cause surface-level injuries, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and potentially serious corneal abrasion or infection.

3. Ways to protect eyes in water
Water-based activities, including swimming, involve a special set of concerns for your vision. Chlorine, a commonly used disinfectant in swimming pools, can cause eye irritation and inflammation, which manifests as redness and discomfort. Similarly, sea salt water can have a similar harmful effect, potentially exacerbating eye dryness.

Other essential tips to protect your eyes in summer
In addition to wearing sunglasses and protective eyewear, there are additional steps you can take to protect your eyes during the summer season. Avoiding prolonged exposure during the sun's peak hours, for example, can reduce the likelihood of exposure to UV radiation, which can negatively affect the eyes.