May is Healthy Vision Month and the perfect time to focus on maintaining optimal eye health. As the temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, understanding and addressing common summer eye issues — such as swimmer's eye, dry eyes, and allergies — is crucial for everyone, especially contact lens wearers.
The Risks of Swimming with Contact Lenses
One of the biggest summer eye care mistakes is swimming with contact lenses. Doing so can expose your eyes to harmful bacteria in water sources like pools, lakes, and oceans, potentially leading to severe eye infections, including keratitis.
To protect your vision while swimming, opt for daily disposable lenses or wear watertight goggles over your lenses. Tempe Eyecare Associates offers a variety of daily disposables that are perfect for swimmers and other athletes.
Addressing Dry Eyes and Summer Allergies
Summer isn't just about fun in the sun and refreshing dips in the pool; it's also peak season for dry eyes and allergies. Dry air, increased wind, and air conditioning can strip moisture from your eyes, leading to discomfort and potential visual disturbances.
Allergens like pollen are rampant, too, causing itchy and watery eyes. To combat these issues effectively, Tempe Eyecare Associates recommends staying hydrated, using preservative-free lubricating eye drops, and wearing sunglasses that block wind and debris.
Practical Tips for Summer Eye Care
Summer eye care requires a proactive approach to prevent discomfort and protect your vision. Here are some essential tips to keep your eyes healthy during the hotter months:
- Hydrate Frequently: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining eye moisture, which helps keep your eyes comfortable and clear. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Wear Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes is essential year-round but especially critical in the summer when UV exposure is at its peak. Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
- Use Protective Eyewear: In addition to sunglasses, wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or outdoor activities. This helps prevent dust, debris, and accidental injuries from compromising your eye health.
- Cleanse Your Eyes Properly: After exposure to pool or ocean water, gently rinse your eyes with clean water if you've worn contact lenses. This can help flush out potential irritants.
- Follow Good Contact Lens Hygiene: Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses. Follow your eye care professional's recommendations for cleaning and storing your lenses to minimize the risk of infection.
- Take Breaks from Screens: Summer may mean more time on electronic devices, especially for students. Remember to practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Use Allergy Eye Drops: If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider using antihistamine eye drops. Consult your eye care professional for the best treatment to alleviate itching and redness.
- Request Regular Eye Exams: Regular check-ups can catch any emerging eye issues early. This will ensure your summer and the rest of your year remain as clear and comfortable as possible.
Enjoy Healthy Eyes This Summer With Tempe Eyecare Associates
Summer brings plenty of fun opportunities and potential challenges for your eyes. By recognizing the signs of common eye problems like swimmer's eye, dry eyes, and allergies and following these protective measures, you can enjoy the season to its fullest.
For personalized advice and the best summer eye care solutions, visit Tempe Eyecare Associates. Remember, protecting your eyes today ensures a clearer tomorrow.