It is an unprecedented situation in the country when the temperature hits as high as 47 degrees in various parts of North India. The same has affected South India too, where the temperature is higher than that of previous years. While the temperature is at its peak, it is important to take care of your health, especially the eyes too.
Eye conditions like allergies and infections are quite prevalent in summers due to scorching heat and industry experts are of the view that this time of the year is crucial to take care of ocular health.
Here are a few tips to protect your eyes from the summer
WEAR SUNGLASSES WHEN YOU’RE OUTDOORS
Just as going out without sunscreen can give you sunburn, going out on a sunny day without sunglasses can give you photokeratitis — which is sunburn of the cornea. This condition is caused when the cornea is exposed to harmful UV rays of the sun. Symptoms include dryness, discomfort and tearing up. It’s best to wear sunglasses if you’re going to be outdoors more often in the summer.
YOU NEED TO WEAR SUNGLASSES EVEN IF YOU ARE WEARING CONTACT LENSES
While several contact lens brands are made with UV protection, they only cover the centre of the eye and not the area around the cornea, which means you might still be susceptible to sun damage if you’re wearing contact lenses but are planning on going outdoors. In addition to this, the sun might cause dryness and irritation if you’re wearing contact lenses without sunglasses.
WEAR HATS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES AND SKIN
Sunglasses don’t offer protection from UV light on their own, so minimize your risk with a hat with a brim that is at least 3 inches wide. This mandatory protection can reduce the risk of getting harmful UV radiation on your eyes and will help save you grave eye problems in the long run.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO WEAR SUNGLASSES AND A HAT
Long-term sun exposure can cause debilitating eye issues in the long run, like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Symptoms of macular degeneration include not being able to see properly.
Additionally, the skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive and can be prone to skin cancer if you don’t take proper care and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV light. Sunscreen can be very helpful in protecting your skin from sun damage. Wearing sunglasses and a hat can save your eye health in the long run.
WEAR GOGGLES IF YOU’RE GOING TO TAKE A SWIM
If you’re planning on spending time in the pool, don’t forget to take your goggles. The pool’s chlorinated water, which also might be full of germs, can be dangerous to your eyes in the long run. On the plus side, goggles will enhance your vision for underwater swimming.
PROTECT YOUR EYES WHILE DOING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Wearing eye protection is not only important to avoid sun exposure. You should also wear eye protection when you’re doing outdoor activities like mowing the lawn or woodwork outside, where there’s a risk of something going into your eye and causing long-term injury. Always make sure to wear protection like glasses, goggles or other protective equipment to shield your eyes and face from potential damage.
Wearing protective eye gear is also a good idea if you’re going to be playing sports like baseball or basketball, where there’s a risk of an eye injury.
Information courtesy: Insight Vision Centre
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